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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have signs or symptoms of nasal polyps, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in ear, nose and throat disorders (ENT doctor or otolaryngologist) or an allergy specialist (allergist) for diagnostic tests or treatment. Because your time with the doctor can be brief, it's a good idea to prepare for your appointment.
What you can do
Make a list ahead of time that you can share with your doctor. Your list should include:
- Symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to your nose or sinuses
- History of sinus infections, asthma, allergies or other diseases
- Current medications, including vitamins and supplements
- Questions for your doctor
List questions for your doctor from most important to least important in case time runs out. If you think you have signs or symptoms of nasal polyps, you may ask some of the following questions:
- What is likely causing my problems with breathing, sense of smell and other problems related to my nose?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- What is the best course of action?
- What type of follow-up examinations or care will I need?
- If I have nasal polyps, can we effectively treat the underlying cause of inflammation?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What Web sites do you recommend visiting?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- When did you last have a cold or sinus infection?
- How often do you have colds or sinus infections?
- If you have allergies, do you know what you're allergic to?
- If you have asthma, how well are you able to manage it?
- Have you ever had any sinus or nasal surgery?
- 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.
