Nasal Polyp
Written by: Muhammad Nasir Sirat
A nasal polyp is a noncancerous tumor that grows from the lining of the nose or sinuses. These polyps usually occur in both the right and left nasal passages and obstruct the flow of air.
AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some patients and a physician about this disease.
Ajab Noor, a resident of Logar province says, “I am suffering from polyps in my nose. I face trouble when I breathe. My nose is blocked and I feel dizziness.”
Allah Gul, a resident of Chaharasiab district, Kabul province says, “I have nasal polyps and I am suffering from a headache. When I go to sleep, I snore and all members of my family are in trouble with me and I always sneeze in the morning.”
Doctor Sayed Rahim Sadat, nose, throat and ear specialist at Maiwand hospital in Kabul city talks about this disease, “Nasal polyps or as ordinary people call it extra meat in the nose, are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of nasal passages. They hang down like teardrops. Nasal polyps cause headaches, blocked nose, running nose, snoring in sleep and continuous sneezing. If not treated on time, this disease might cause some health problems like sinusitis and asthma bronchitis.”
What do people think about the causes of nasal polyps?
Abdullah, a resident of Farza district, Kabul province says, “I do not know anything about the causes of nasal polyps. If AEPO producer prepares a program about this disease, it would be useful.”
Mariam, a resident of Paghman district, Kabul province says, “Air pollution, smoke, dust and cold weather could be the causes of nasal polyps.”
Doctor Sadat talks about the causes of nasal polyps, “Viral inflammations and persistent shortness of breath, seasonal allergies to plants and flowers, sensitivity to analgesics, hereditary factors also play a role in causing this disease, some specific functions in the immune system or the body's defenses. Inflammation inside the nose, sinusitis cause inflammation and nasal congestion and nasal polyps.”
How people treat nasal polyps?
Allah Gul says, “When I sensed polyps in my nose, I went to the hospital and the doctor recommended me some medicines and then they surgically operated my nasal polyps and prevented me from eating spicy foods.”
Ms. Ilaha says, “I went to the doctor and he recommended medicines for 15 days and he wanted me to come back to the hospital for surgical operation after 15 days.”
Doctor Sadat says, “Patients should try to use water and salt solution to clean and wash their nasal passages. This would improve the flow of water that comes out of the nose and clear the nose from substances that cause allergies. Some foods that cause allergies, such as sour and spicy foods should be avoided but the basic treatment of nasal polyps is done in two ways. In the first step, the doctor would recommend medication and if it doesn’t work then he/she would be surgically operated and the problem would be solved.”