Qasim Husain, MD

02/13/2021

Of all the positive things to look forward to in 2021, this takes the cake! We’re so excited to meet baby girl Husain this Spring!

11/23/2020

By now we are well aware about smell and taste loss from COVID-19. Since we are seeing a second wave of infections, I thought it would be good to review what you can do if you end up suffering from these symptoms. ⁠
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Of course, these are very unsettling symptoms, but the good news is the vast majority of those effected will experience a rapid recovery of symptoms in a month's time (70-80%; Kacem et al. Neurol Sci 2020; Rieter et al. Am J Otolaryngol 2020). For those who do not recover within 4 weeks, however, there are options to help aid recovery. ⁠
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Olfactory training was developed as a tool to aid those with smell and taste disturbance, and follows principles that wine sommeliers use to enhance their own sense of smell and taste. This involves repetitive stimulation of olfactory nerves with the goal of improving general olfaction. The original article (Hummel et al. Laryngoscope 2009), exposed subjects with smell and taste loss to four intense odors (clove, eucalyptus, lemon, and rose), twice daily, for 15 seconds over a period of 12 weeks. These odors were originally chosen because they reflect distinct categories of the "Fragrance Wheel." ⁠Over time, study participants experienced improved sense of smell and better sensitivity.⁠
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Using this protocol, in COVID-19 patients we hope to tap into the brain's regenerative capacity. While there are no set rules for the type of essential oils to use, beginning with those from the original study is a great starting point. We even have patients change the types of essential oils every 3 months to new odors. ⁠
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While this "physical therapy for the nose" may not work for everyone, it is the only proven form of treatment we have. I am wishing all of those affected by this virus best of luck in their recovery!

10/05/2020

As children go back to school/ daycare and the colder weather begins, we start to see more ear infections and begin to discuss the role of ear tubes. ⁠⠀
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Ear tubes are small cylinders usually made of plastic that are inserted into the eardrum. They allow air to easily flow in and out of the middle ear and prevent the build up of fluid and infections. ⁠⠀
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When do kids need ear tubes? ⁠⠀
1. If fluid stays in the ear for >3 months and there is decreased hearing. ⁠⠀
2. If there are recurrent infections, usually 3 or more in a 6 month period. ⁠⠀
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Ear tube placement is the most common procedure done in children, and by age 3, almost 1 out of every 15 kids have had this procedure performed. Typically, ear tube placement is a procedure done under anesthesia in an outpatient setting, while it only takes 15 minutes, it is always nerve wracking for parents to have their little ones put under. ⁠⠀
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In adults, though, we typically place ear tubes in awake patients in the office. Usually because they can tolerate sitting still and having their ear manipulated better. But what if we could put ear tubes in kids without general anesthesia, in the office setting? We could save thousands of kids a year from unneeded anesthesia, not to mention the high costs associated with it. ⁠⠀
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That is where Tula comes in. This system was developed to provide local anesthesia that does not require much manipulation and an innovative device that cuts the ear drum and inserts the ear tube in a single pass. This significantly reduces discomfort and facilitates office placement. ⁠⠀
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This is not meant for every child, but for those cooperative enough it is a great way to replace a trip to the OR with just an office visit.

10/05/2020

As children go back to school/ daycare and the colder weather begins, we start to see more ear infections and begin to discuss the role of ear tubes. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Ear tubes are small cylinders usually made of plastic that are inserted into the eardrum. They allow air to easily flow in and out of the middle ear and prevent the build up of fluid and infections. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
When do kids need ear tubes? ⁠⠀
1. If fluid stays in the ear for >3 months and there is decreased hearing. ⁠⠀
2. If there are recurrent infections, usually 3 or more in a 6 month period. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Ear tube placement is the most common procedure done in children, and by age 3, almost 1 out of every 15 kids have had this procedure performed. Typically, ear tube placement is a procedure done under anesthesia in an outpatient setting, while it only takes 15 minutes, it is always nerve wracking for parents to have their little ones put under. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
In adults, though, we typically place ear tubes in awake patients in the office. Usually because they can tolerate sitting still and having their ear manipulated. But what if we could put ear tubes in kids without general anesthesia, in the office setting? We could save thousands of kids a year from unneeded anesthesia, not to mention the high costs associated with it. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
That is where Tula comes in. This system was developed to provide local anesthesia that does not require much manipulation and an innovative device that cuts the ear drum and inserts the ear tube in a single pass. This significantly reduces discomfort and facilitates office placement. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
This is not meant for every child, but for those cooperative enough it is a great way to replace a trip to the OR with just an office visit.

07/29/2020

Men supporting women in medicine.

We’ve all heard the stereotypes in medical school and residency. “YOU want to go into a surgical specialty...really?!” It’s great that as a field we are finally understanding how these reactions are undercutting and sexist.
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These stereotypes are deeply entrenched in us and showing outward support is necessary. There are times when it is not so easy. When my wife decided (in addition to being faculty in the ED at Cornell ) to become an education fellow, AND obtain a Masters at Columbia in Narrative Medicine I admit I was surprised. Here we were, both about to be free from decades of schooling/training and she wanted to do even more! I wasn’t proud of this response.
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In talking with her about her rationale for doing it and future aspirations, it became clear how important her career and shaping it the way she wanted was for her. I admire my wife so much for the strength she displays, and her ability to forge a path for herself. These are qualities I want to instill in our future children.
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Swipe to see a research article I helped author in medical school. We found our female colleagues in academic otolaryngology were on a different productivity curve. They kept pace and outproduced their male colleagues at senior levels.
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Empowering women lifts all of society! @ New York, New York

07/22/2020

One year down as being an attending!
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For those of us choosing a career in medicine, it often seems that we are in a never ending pursuit of the next thing.
“Just gotta get that (SAT/ MCAT/ USMLE) score then I’ll be SET!”
“Just x number of years in residency then I will be golden!”
“Only need another year of fellowship and then I’ll be really free!”
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Then when you are finally done, you find yourself in the predicament I was in last year. It’s your first day as an attending, after years of build up, now what?
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Naturally I picked some arbitrary goals:
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🔲 see 5000 patients
🔲 perform 250 surgeries
🔲 meet 50 referral sources
🔲 publish at least 5 articles
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I had all these plans made, and was well on my way to achieving my goals when COVID-19 struck and brought things to a screeching halt. I couldn’t believe everything I was working towards was upended. I spent days being unproductive thinking about how to control something that was completely out of my hands. As I watched my wife go to work in the ER on the front lines, while I stayed at home doing Telehealth, I couldn’t stop feeling helpless.
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After spending way too much time feeling sorry for myself, it became apparent that these benchmarks, we’re making me unhappy. Why did it matter so much? I have achieved a lot in my life to be proud of. I realized that for the first time in a long time, no one was grading me.
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This revelation has really made these last few weeks as I returned to the office and OR extra special. I realized that I am so fortunate to be a physician -> ENT -> Rhinologist and it just makes me really happy to just do my job everyday. I think that’s the secret to longevity.
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So here’s to my first year, looking forward to many more!
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07/04/2020

Who doesn’t love a little firework show?
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Usually those of us in the NYC metropolitan area are treated to several professional firework displays during the 4th of July holiday. This year, due to COVID-19, many are settling for local/ homemade shows, which come with their own risks. As an ENT, we see many injuries from fireworks including:
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💥Facial Trauma
💥Burns
💥Hearing damage
💥Tinnitus
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A lot of us are sure to keep a safe distance to prevent the first two, but many don’t take the necessary precautions for their ears. This is especially true when using fireworks at home which explode much closer to the ground, compared to commercial fireworks.
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Did you know fireworks can produce sound greater than 150 decibels, with most consumer fireworks being around 120 decibels? By exposure standards that means a person cannot be exposed for more than 8 minutes before causing hearing damage if they are too close!
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Fortunately the solution to this problem is pretty easy, stand farther back and wear some ear protection. Take extra care with children as they are more susceptible to hearing damage. By taking the right precautions and obeying local laws we all can have a safe and happy 4th of July!

07/02/2020

July 1st is synonymous for new beginnings for those of us in the medical field.
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I remember when I started residency, I had as little ENT knowledge as I did sleep and the “Pasha” guide really helped me to not look ridiculous on attending rounds and in conference. For all the new Oto residents, this book is a great way to build on your fundamentals and then expand on this foundation with literature and OR teachings. It doesn’t hurt when the first chapter has a familiar author (swipe right 🙂).
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This time is full of uncertainty, but also excitement and growth for all new residents, fellows, and attendings. I want to wish you all good luck, you will do great!
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@ Jersey City, New Jersey

05/29/2020

“And we created you in pairs.”��There cannot be a more perfect verse. These last 4 years married to my beautiful wife Sara has affirmed this notion. She is my best friend, source of endless emotional support, and has strived to always make me a better person. She is selfless and spreads so much joy not only in our relationship, but to anyone she encounters.
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I cannot put into words how lucky I am to have her. I am so happy that we have the rest of our lives to grow together and deepen our love even further.
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Happy Anniversary Sara!

05/18/2020

02/23/2020