|
Allergies involving the nose may indeed be associated with nasal polyps. However, nasal polyps may also be caused by other conditions, such as chronic infection from bacteria or viruses or chronic inflammation from inhaled irritants such as tobacco smoke and other drugs. In children and young adolescents with nasal polyps, a sweat chloride test may be done to be sure a person doesn’t have cystic fibrosis. Ask your doctor about these other causes of nasal polyps the next time you visit the office.
The most important thing you can do to control your allergies is to avoid those things to which you are allergic! Sounds simple, but that’s the thing that people with allergies most neglect to do. If you have had allergy testing done, then you may have been given a list of the specific things that trigger your allergies. Otherwise, it may take some guesswork to know. It is especially important that you avoid inhaled things that you may be allergic to or that may irritate your mucous membranes, such as cigarette smoke, animal dander (cats, dogs, birds) and dust. There are many treatment options available, including antihistamines, nasal decongestants and nasal corticosteroids. Nasal corticosteroids and a medicine called cromolyn may be effective and have the least side effects. Finally, there is immunotherapy (“shots” to desensitize you to the allergens) that can be used over a relatively long period of time. All of these things should be discussed with your doctor.
Do you have a question?  As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Please read our full  .
| |
