Our Summary
This research paper is about a disease called Rhinosporidiosis, which affects the moist surfaces of the body like the eyes and nose. This disease isn’t well-understood in Colombia, so the researchers looked at 58 cases that took place between 1964 and 2015. They found that most of the patients were young males, and the disease showed up in the eyes in over half of the cases and in the nose in nearly half. The disease did not spread in any of the cases. All patients had the lesions caused by the disease removed surgically. The aim of the paper is to provide more information to doctors in areas where the disease is not common.
FAQs
- What is Rhinosporidiosis and how does it affect the body?
- What is the typical demographic affected by Rhinosporidiosis in Colombia?
- What is the common treatment for Rhinosporidiosis in Colombia?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about nasal polyp removal is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including using any prescribed nasal sprays or medications to prevent infection and promote healing. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and ensure that the polyps do not recur.
Suitable For
Patients with nasal polyps that cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, loss of smell, facial pain or pressure, and recurrent sinus infections are typically recommended for nasal polyp removal. Additionally, patients who do not respond to conservative treatments such as nasal corticosteroids or antibiotics may also be candidates for surgical removal of nasal polyps.
Timeline
- Before nasal polyp removal:
- Patient may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, facial pain, decreased sense of smell, and snoring.
- Patient may undergo a physical examination and diagnostic tests such as nasal endoscopy, CT scan, and allergy testing to confirm the presence of nasal polyps.
- Patient may receive medical treatment such as nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, and antibiotics to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.
- After nasal polyp removal:
- Patient undergoes nasal polyp removal surgery, which is typically performed under general anesthesia.
- Patient may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and nasal drainage in the days following surgery.
- Patient is prescribed pain medication, nasal saline irrigation, and nasal corticosteroids to aid in the healing process.
- Patient may need to follow up with their healthcare provider for post-operative care and monitoring.
- Patient may experience improved nasal breathing, sense of smell, and overall quality of life after successful removal of nasal polyps.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with nasal polyp removal surgery?
- What is the success rate of nasal polyp removal surgery in terms of preventing recurrence?
- What is the recovery process like after nasal polyp removal surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatment options for nasal polyps that I should consider?
- How long will it take for me to see improvement in my symptoms after nasal polyp removal surgery?
- Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatment after the surgery?
- How can I prevent nasal polyps from recurring in the future?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or medications that can help manage nasal polyps in the long term?
- Are there any specific precautions I should take before or after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?
- Can you provide me with more information about rhinosporidiosis and how it may be related to my nasal polyps?
Reference
Authors: Vélez A, Jiménez G, Hidrón A, Talero S, Agudelo CA. Journal: Trop Doct. 2018 Oct;48(4):289-293. doi: 10.1177/0049475518787123. Epub 2018 Jul 22. PMID: 30033826