Our Summary

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a condition that involves asthma, chronic sinus inflammation with nasal polyps, and intolerance to a certain type of medication. This study looked at the role of certain inflammatory cells in the blood that might be involved in the development and progress of nasal polyps. The focus was on basophils, a type of white blood cell, which are known to play a key role in the body’s immune response.

The main goal was to investigate whether the levels of basophils in the blood before surgery could predict the recurrence of polyps after nasal surgery in AERD patients. The secondary goal was to compare these basophil-related measurements in AERD patients with a control group of patients with non-eosinophilic nasal polyps.

The results showed that AERD patients had a higher rate of polyp recurrence than the control group. They also had higher levels of basophils and a higher ratio of eosinophils to basophils in their blood before surgery. This supports the idea that removing polyps could help reduce inflammation and basophil activation.

FAQs

  1. What is Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and how it is related to nasal polyps?
  2. How can the levels of basophils in the blood predict the recurrence of nasal polyps in AERD patients?
  3. Did the AERD patients in the study show a higher rate of polyp recurrence than the control group?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, a helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about nasal polyp removal is to follow up closely with your healthcare provider after surgery to monitor for any signs of polyp recurrence. It is important to continue any prescribed medications and treatments to help prevent the growth of new polyps. Additionally, avoiding triggers such as allergens or irritants that may exacerbate nasal inflammation can also help prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps.

Suitable For

Patients with AERD, chronic sinus inflammation with nasal polyps, and intolerance to certain medications are typically recommended for nasal polyp removal. These patients may have higher levels of basophils in their blood, which could indicate a higher risk of polyp recurrence after surgery. Removing the nasal polyps can help reduce inflammation and basophil activation, potentially improving the patient’s symptoms and quality of life.

Timeline

Before nasal polyp removal:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as nasal congestion, loss of smell, runny nose, and sinus pressure
  • Patient may have a diagnosis of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and intolerance to certain medications
  • Basophil levels in the blood are higher in AERD patients compared to a control group
  • Basophils and eosinophils are elevated in the blood, indicating inflammation and immune response

After nasal polyp removal:

  • Surgery is performed to remove nasal polyps
  • Inflammation and basophil activation are reduced post-surgery
  • Patient may experience improved symptoms such as reduced nasal congestion, improved sense of smell, and decreased sinus pressure
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor for polyp recurrence
  • AERD patients have a higher rate of polyp recurrence compared to the control group, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and management.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can you explain the reasons for recommending nasal polyp removal in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with nasal polyp removal surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  4. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  5. How likely is it that the nasal polyps will recur after surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or medications I should consider to prevent nasal polyp recurrence?
  7. Can you provide more information about the role of basophils in nasal polyp development and recurrence, and how it relates to my condition?
  8. Are there any specific tests or measurements that can help predict the likelihood of nasal polyp recurrence in my case?
  9. How will you monitor my progress and response to treatment after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or complementary therapies that I should consider in addition to surgery?

Reference

Authors: Brescia G, Fabbris C, Calvanese L, Bandolin L, Pedruzzi B, Di Pasquale Fiasca VM, Marciani S, Mularoni F, Degli Esposti Pallotti F, Negrisolo M, Spinato G, Frigo AC, Marioni G. Journal: Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 May 31;13(11):1920. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13111920. PMID: 37296772