NASAL POLYPS |
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DESCRIPTIONNasal polyps are non-malignant growths in the nasal cavities, usually in both sides of the nose. The nasal mucous membranes are involved. Nasal polyps occur in children but are most common in adults.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care (only if surgery cannot be performed).
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Surgery to remove polyps under local anesthesia--a minor surgical procedure.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Obstruction of air through the nose (chronic "stuffy-nose" feeling).
Impaired sense of smell.
Feelings of fullness in the face.
Nasal discharge.
Facial pain (sometimes).
Headaches (sometimes).
CAUSES
Chronic infection or allergy in the nose (allergic rhinitis) that causes the child's nasal mucous membranes to swell and produce excess fluid in the nasal cells.
RISK FACTORS
Sinusitis or chronic nasal infection.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEObtain medical treatment for the child's underlying allergy. Consult your doctor about allergy testing and desensitizing procedures.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory skin tests to identify the child's allergies.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Repeated infections.
Nosebleeds.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Your child's symptoms can be controlled with treatment (usually surgery). Recurrence is common, even with surgical treatment.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREIf nosebleeds occur, see treatment described under Nosebleed (in Illnesses section).
MEDICATION
For minor pain, use acetaminophen. Avoid giving your child aspirin, which may increase the tendency to bleed.
Your doctor may prescribe cortisone drugs in nasal spray or oral form for a short while before surgery to shrink the child's polyps.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your child should resume normal activities gradually after surgery.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of nasal polyps.
The following occurs during treatment:
-- Nosebleeds that cannot be stopped.
-- Fever.
-- Pain that persists despite the use of acetaminophen.
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