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- $Unique_ID{BRK02186}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Polyps in the Nose}
- $Subject{Polyp Polyps Nose surgery nasal mucous membrane irritated allergies
- recurring infections obstruct flow air breathing difficulties corticosteroids
- beclomethasone spray }
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Polyps in the Nose
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- QUESTION: I have been having a problem with my breathing, and after using all
- the cold medications on the shelf, I finally overcame my fears and went to see
- the doctor. He found "polyps" in my nose, and says I need surgery to remove
- them. What would happen if I didn't go through this? What else could I do to
- get rid of the problem? I'm just too scared.
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- ANSWER: Apprehension is understandable, but there is little to fear here. A
- nasal polyp develops when the mucous membrane that lines the nose is
- constantly irritated as the result of allergies or recurring infections. They
- may grow individually or in clusters, but when they become too large, they
- obstruct the flow of air in and out of the nose and cause the breathing
- difficulties you are experiencing. Sometimes they dwindle when the infection
- passes, and using corticosteroids such as beclomethasone spray may shrink
- them, but even then, surgery may be required. It is not a frightening
- procedure, but can be performed as an office procedure using local anesthesia
- to make the procedure painless. If medications fail, and you choose not have
- them removed, they will probably just continue to grow, until you are so
- uncomfortable that you have them removed after all.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-