Nasal Allergy and Polyp Problems
Nasal allergy occurs when the nasal tissues excessively react to allergens such as pollen and dust, leading to symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and itching. Polyps are benign growths that develop in the nasal passages and sinuses, which can cause nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing. Symptoms can be alleviated by treating allergies and surgically removing polyps.
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Nasal Allergy
Inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages is referred to as rhinitis. When this inflammation is caused by allergic factors, it is called allergic rhinitis. Typically, it presents with severe nasal congestion, intermittent sneezing attacks (at least 3-4 times), watery eyes, and itching in the nose. Treatment includes avoiding allergens, using medication, and, if necessary, surgery to reduce the size of the turbinates (nasal tissue).
How Can I Prevent Allergies?
Reduce the number of carpets and rugs at home, and ensure that someone, other than the allergic person, regularly uses a vacuum cleaner. A vacuum cleaner with an allergen filter is best.
- Avoid placing rugs on concrete floors as dust mites settle there.
- Use synthetic polyester pillows instead of feather pillows.
- Cover mattresses with plastic covers.
- Frequently use air conditioners and dehumidifiers, as dust mites thrive in warm, humid conditions.
- Another common allergen is pet dander. To minimize exposure:
- Choose a pet that sheds less dander.
- Keep pets outside as much as possible.
- Wash your hands after touching pets.
- Find someone (not sensitive to allergies) to bathe your dog weekly. However, check if bathing your dog weekly will damage its skin.
- Find someone (not sensitive to allergies) to wash your cat with a special product to eliminate saliva from its fur weekly.
- Molds are a common indoor allergen, similar to dust mites, thriving in warm, humid environments. To minimize exposure to indoor mold:
- Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners during hot and humid weather.
- Avoid areas of the home prone to mold, such as old books, newspapers, magazines, humidifiers, houseplants, and aquariums.
- Find someone (not sensitive to allergies) to clean and dust these areas.
Pollen and mold are common outdoor allergens, especially from early spring to mid-autumn. To reduce exposure to outdoor allergens:
- Minimize outdoor activities like mowing the lawn or raking leaves.
- Try to stay indoors on days with high pollen and mold counts.
- Keep windows closed on high pollen and mold days (and use air conditioning in hot weather).
Terfenadine and astemizole may cause heart rhythm abnormalities in people with severe liver issues or those taking certain antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Other potential harmful side effects include symptoms resembling asthma, such as wheezing and narrowing of the airways.
Your doctor may prescribe non-prescription nasal sprays. Decongestant nasal sprays can provide relief for a few days, but using them for more than 4-5 days can lead to a rebound effect (worsening of symptoms). Other nasal drops may contain sodium cromoglycate, which prevents the release of histamine, an irritant from mast cells. These drops may also contain ipratropium, which blocks acetylcholine, a natural substance important for mucus production.
Your doctor might prescribe nasal sprays with low-dose corticosteroids. These sprays can stop an allergy attack but may take more than a week to reach full effectiveness. If antihistamines, nasal sprays, and environmental controls don’t work, or if the medications cause side effects, immunotherapy might be an option. For immunotherapy to work, your doctor must identify the specific allergen causing your symptoms. Initially, small amounts of the allergen are injected under your skin. The dose is gradually increased weekly, and the treatment can last for years.
Allergens that typically respond well to immunotherapy include ragweed, grass, dust mites, and cat dander. Symptoms usually decrease within 6 months, and doctors may recommend treatment for 4-5 years. However, immunotherapy may not always be effective.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are characterized by the growths and enlargement of tissue in the nose and sinuses, which occur due to inflammatory conditions such as chronic sinusitis, allergies, and chronic rhinitis. In some patients with genetic predispositions, polyps can completely fill the nasal passages, making it impossible for the patient to breathe through their nose. Treatment is usually surgical, and these patients undergo endoscopic sinus surgery.
Rating
Anesthesia Type: General
Operation Time: 2-3 Hours
Pain: Mild
Length of hospital stay: 1 night
Recovery Time 7 days
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Take the First Step Now
For more information, contact us
Schedule your appointment or online consultation with Prof. Dr. Mustafa Deniz Yılmaz now. Take the first step in your treatment process and let’s begin your journey to recovery together with personalized solutions.