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Housecall, our weekly general-interest e-newsletter, keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics with timely, reliable, practical information, recipes, blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts and more. Our biweekly topic-specific e-newsletters also include blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts, and other useful information that will help you manage your health.
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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffYou may help reduce your chances of developing nasal polyps or recurring nasal polyps after treatment with the following prevention strategies:
- Manage allergies and asthma. Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations for managing asthma and allergies. If your symptoms aren't easily and regularly under control, talk to your doctor about changing your treatment plan.
- Avoid irritants. As much as possible, avoid things that are likely to contribute to inflammation or irritation of your sinuses, such as allergens, airborne pollutants and chemicals.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. This is one of the best ways to protect against bacterial and viral infections that can cause inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses.
- Humidify your home. Use a humidifier if you have dry air in your home. This may help improve the flow of mucus from your sinuses and may help prevent blockage and inflammation.
- Use a nasal rinse, or nasal lavage. Use a saltwater (saline) spray or nasal lavage to rinse your nasal passages. This may improve mucus flow and remove allergens and other irritants. You can purchase over-the-counter saline sprays or nasal lavage kits with devices, such as bulb syringes, to administer a rinse. You can make your own solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 milliliters) of salt with 2 cups (0.5 liter) of warm water. Avoid over-the-counter saline sprays that contain additives that may inflame the mucous lining of your nose.
References
- Fried M. Nasal polyps. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec19/ch221/ch221h.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2009.
- Staffel J, et al. Rhinology, nasal obstruction and sinusitis. In: Wax M, ed. Primary Care Otolaryngology. 2nd ed., e-format. Alexandria, Va.: American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery; 2004. http://www.entnet.org/EducationAndResearch/upload/Chapter-9-Rhinology-Nasal-Obstruction-and-Sinusitis.pdf. Accessed Jan. 7, 2009.
- Pawliczak R, et al. Pathogenesis of nasal polyps: An update. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. 2005;5:463-471.
- Fried M. Nasal polyps. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch091/ch091d.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2009.
- Sinusitis. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Sinusitis.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Pillsbury HC III, et al. Nose and sinuses. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec19/ch217/ch217c.html. Accessed Jan. 7, 2009.
- Fungal sinusitis. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Fungal-Sinusitis.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Haddad J Jr. Nasal polyps. In: Kliegman R, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier Inc.; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/116189915-2/0/1608/891.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Rosenfeld RM. Clinical practice guideline on adult sinusitis. Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 2007;137:365-377.
- Tips to remember: What is allergy testing? American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatisallergytesting.stm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Scadding GK. Comparison of medical and surgical treatment of nasal polyposis. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. 2002;2:494-499.
- Sinus surgery. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/SinusSurgery.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Tips for sinus sufferers. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/tipsSinusSufferers.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
