Over the past few decades, evidence has emerged suggesting that nasal airflow asymmetry and brain asymmetry are linked. The nose exhibits asymmetrical airflow, with the dominant airflow alternating from one nasal passage to the other over a period of hours. Some authors have suggested a correlation between cerebral hemisphere dominance and nostril dominance. Others have proposed an association between rhythmic fluctuations in nasal airflow and corresponding fluctuations in cerebral hemisphere activity. Based on ancient yoga breathing techniques, newer evidence suggests that altering nasal airflow can influence brain activity, with reports of improved cognitive function caused by unilateral forced nostril breathing. It seems that a nasal airflow stimulus may have an activating effect on the brain, as it has also been shown to trigger seizure activity in epileptic patients.

This article explores these theories in detail, reviews the evidence, and presents new models linking nasal airflow and brain activity.

New oral anticoagulants have been developed to overcome the perceived disadvantages of more traditional anticoagulants such as heparin and warfarin, and their use amongst ENT patients have been increasing.

This review article aims to discuss the mechanism of action of new oral anticoagulants, when they should be used and a protocol for their use, in both the bleeding patient and in the peri-operative setting.

It is important that ENT surgeons are aware of the use of new oral anticoagulants, and have a departmental- and trust-based policy on their use and reversal in bleeding and surgical patients.

To determine if there is evidence that post-tonsillectomy dietary advice affects post-operative morbidity.

A systematic review was conducted of Embase, Medline, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PsycInfo, to November 2014.

Seventeen articles were included; their heterogeneous nature prevented meta-analysis. Of these, all three small, randomised studies showed no statistical difference in morbidity between restricted and non-restricted diets.

Most post-tonsillectomy dietary advice is based on historical anecdotes and not rigorous scientific testing. The existing small-scale, randomised studies show no statistical difference in morbidity between non-restricted and restricted diets.