The link between Asthma and Nasal Polyps

A number of patients who have asthma often have nasal polyps, but what is the link between nasal polyps and asthma?

Although doctors have discovered the general cause of nasal polyps, its main cause is still unknown. Nasal polyps are generally caused by inflamed mucus membranes (caused by chronic sinus infections, irritants, certain medications and constant allergies).

Cells known as Eosinophils are inflammatory cells found in over 80% of nasal polyp growths. These Eosinophil cells are also found in the nasal polyps of patients with bronchial asthma and yield certain toxins that cause a hypersensitive response and further inflammation (disorder known as Eosinophilia). The degree of Eosinophilia found in asthmatic patients with nasal polyps is greater than compared in patients who do not have asthma. Asthmatic patients with nasal polyps also seem to have had more nasal polyp removals (surgeries) than those who are non-asthmatic.

Adolescents who have nasal polyps are increasingly complaining of asthmatic symptoms (difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breathe, etc…). This and other factors conclude that the presence of nasal polyps in asthmatic patients often reveals a more severe case of asthma.

Facts

• 30% to 50% of patients with asthma where found to have nasal polyps.
• Just over twenty percent of patients with nasal polyps have been diagnosed with asthma.
• Nasal polyps are popularly associated with non-allergic conditions (more common in patients with non-allergic asthma) then an allergic condition (less common in patients with allergic asthma).
  
  

Prevalence and Diagnosis

As nasal polyps are rare in children under the age of 10-12 years of age, children that are diagnosed with nasal polyps are always tested for asthma and cystic fibrosis. Nasal polyps are more common in adults over the age of 40 who have asthma.

Treatment

• Oral steroids are more effective for patients with nasal polyps and asthma. They react to the amount of Eosinophils, present or absent, in polyps
• Doctors should check for respiratory cooperation in patients with asthma and nasal polyps before recommending surgery. Also please ensure you discuss surgical and other risks with your doctor.
  Homeopathic products for nasal polyps. SinusWars13 from SinusWars is often recommended to shrink and prevent nasal polyp growths naturally, side effect free and effectively.
• Visiting a pulmonary specialist if you have asthma and nasal polyps is advised as these conditions are often associated with pulmonary (lung) problems.