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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Smoking and nasal polyps
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis
Smoking and nasal polyps
by Nasal Issues in my Family, Apr 03, 2005 12:00AM
Is it an coincidence that on two occassions when my husband has stopped smoking his nasal polyps have flarred up? He stopped about 12 years ago and had surgery to remove nasal polyps 10 years ago. He stopped smoking about 2 months ago and the polyps are very prenounced in both nostils and appeared very quickly. Did the cigarette smoke keep them at bay over the years or is the timing a total coincidence in both cases. The earliest appoinment to see the same specialist who performed the first surgery is in 4 weeks but they seem to be growing by the day! Is there anything he can take in the meantime? Is it worth taking a nasal steriod? He is very uncomfortable at the moment with both nostrils blocked and dripping.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Apr 10, 2005 12:00AM
, Apr 10, 2005 12:00AM
Your description certainly suggests that there is a cause and effect relationship. I am unaware of this and found no description of it in a brief Medline search. As you know nasal polyps do often return after surgery. The overwhelming majority of nasal polyps can be well controlled by the use of nasal steroids.
However, if polyps are large enough to block the nasal passages, a nasal steroid, such as Flonase, will not get to the tissue it needs to. In this circumstance, it is often necessary to use a short-course of high dose oral steroids to shrink the polyps. Then, when they are much smaller an inhaled nasal steroid can be used. Using this technique, it is often possible to avoid repeat surgery.
However, if polyps are large enough to block the nasal passages, a nasal steroid, such as Flonase, will not get to the tissue it needs to. In this circumstance, it is often necessary to use a short-course of high dose oral steroids to shrink the polyps. Then, when they are much smaller an inhaled nasal steroid can be used. Using this technique, it is often possible to avoid repeat surgery.
I am desperate for help!!!! It kills me to listen him struggle for breath, especially at night. He works hard to take care of our family. I feel so helpless not being able to do anything to make him breathe easier. PLEASE HELP!!