Insights from FV Hospital’s Nutrition Specialist at the 2025 Annual Scientific Conference on Otorhinolaryngology, highlighted new pathways to effective and sustainable treatment of chronic ENT conditions.

When Symptoms Persist Despite Proper Treatment

At the 2025 Annual Scientific Conference on Otorhinolaryngology, Specialist Level II, Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu, MD, MSc – Head of Dietetics & Nutrition Department at FV Hospital, drew attention to the frequently overlooked role of food allergies as a hidden but contributing factor in persistent chronic ENT conditions, such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, otitis media, and nasal polyps.

Dr Thu presented several case studies in which patients continued to suffer from recurring symptoms despite receiving standard medical treatment or undergoing surgery. Significant improvement was only achieved after food allergy testing was conducted and allergens, such as cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, or seafood, were eliminated from the diet. “There were patients with chronic sinusitis lasting for years, with persistent mucosal oedema and discharge on every endoscopy. But after removing dairy and gluten from their diet, a 12-week follow-up revealed markedly improved nasal mucosa – with no need for further antibiotics or corticosteroids,” Dr Thu shared.

The report also highlighted that conditions such as otitis media with effusion in children, Meniere’s disease, and eosinophilic oesophagitis are closely associated with food allergies, an often overlooked factor in both diagnosis and treatment. Notably, the Mediterranean diet – a balanced nutritional model characterised by low intake of processed foods and common allergens – has shown effectiveness in reducing the recurrence of sinusitis in young children.

Early Detection and Personalised Treatment

Beyond identifying potential causes, Dr Quynh Thu emphasised the importance of developing personalised treatment strategies. At FV Hospital, the use of specific IgE blood tests, combined with detailed food diaries and elimination diets, has enabled accurate identification of food allergens while ensuring patients maintain a nutritionally balanced diet.

“We tailor and rebuild alternative meal plans to ensure patients – especially children – do not suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Equally important is patient education: helping them understand how to choose the right foods, manage their symptoms proactively, and live safely with their allergies,” Dr Quynh Thu explained.

Her insights left a strong impression at the 2025 Annual ENT Conference, offering valuable guidance not only for ENT specialists but also for dietitians, paediatricians, and general practitioners.

More importantly, the key takeaway for patients is this: when conventional treatments fall short, consider food allergies – they may be the overlooked trigger in your recovery journey.