Heredity, allergies, environmental factors, and chemicals on the job

The cause of polyps in the nose has been long regarded as a largely unknown. Children, like adults, may be affected from these benign growths in the nose, making it difficult to breathe and may also lead to significant physical impairments.

The size of the growths vary, ranging from millimeters to a larger size which makes breathing through the nose almost impossible. Previously suspected triggers were chronic inflammation caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, plus allergies and asthma.

A team of scientists from Greece did a case-control study which revealed further clues and uncovered other causes. Environmental factors and chemicals at work had a considerable significance for the occurrence of polyps.

Study reveals causes of polyps

A Greek research team studied 100 patients from three Athens hospitals and 102 control subjects. The following factors were considered for each study participant: the gender, education level, family history, allergies, smoking, occupational activities and environmental impacts.

Symptoms of nasal polyps

The symptoms caused by nasal polyps depends on the severity and the anatomical features.

The following symptoms are commonly observed:

• Difficult breathing through the nose
• Vague, slurred pronunciation, speaking through his nose,
• poor performance
• sleep disorders, snoring
• Decreased sense of smell
• Frequent inflammation of the sinuses

Inheritance and allergy causes of polyps in the nose

The researchers found that polyps can also be inherited. A total of 13.3% of the patients inherited the polyps. In the control group, however, none of the family members had nasal polyps. The presence of allergies was higher in patients with polyps. In 64% of the patients, different allergies were found, and in 12% there was a probable presence of allergies.

Environmental factors and chemical causes for polyps

In some workplaces, employees experience heavy contact with chemicals and dust. This may also lead to nasal polyps, the researchers found. In particular, exposure to chemicals at work turned out to be a common cause in the patients with polyps. Smoking, however, was not a significant trigger factor; and in addition, the level of education was also irrelevant for the occurrence of polyps.

The scientists concluded from their study results that nasal polyps are often caused by allergies and may be familial. A genetic predisposition is a cause for consideration by the Greek scientists, but also the influence and incidence of chemicals and substances from the environment and the workplace can cause nasal polyps. Patients had more polyps, when confronted with chemicals in the workplace, than when polyps occurred in the family.

Treatment of nasal polyps

The treatment of choice for nasal polyps was previously two options: Long-term treatment with cortisone spray (usually at least 6 months) and / or surgery. The findings of the scientists from Athens however suggest another approach: allergen avoidance, and exposure and eliminating the chemicals in the living and working environment. Where allergens and chemicals cannot be avoided, wearing protective masks with good ventilation would be a good preventive measure of protection to prevent exposures to chemicals and dust.

Autor: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

Alexiou A, Sourtzi P, Dimakopoulou K, Manolis E, Velonakis E., Nasal polyps: heredity, allergies, and environmental and occupational exposure, J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011 Feb;40 (1):58-63.

WHO receives delegation of representatives for the environmentally ill

On May 13, a petition from the WHO delegation of stakeholders from MCS and EMS patients, physicians, scientists, lawyers and journalists in Geneva will be received. The delegation will be welcomed by Dr. Maria Neira, Director General of Public Health and Environment, WHO confirms.

WHO confirmed hearing from MCS organizations

Dr. Neira will receive the relevant documents from the delegation, a bibliography regarding environmental diseases, a list of countries that already have a ICD-10 code for MCS and / or EMS, and some other relevant documents for the meeting. All documents being submitted support the science-based arguments, and finally create a mandatory basis for environmental health conditions worldwide, so that the medical care of patients can be assured.

MCS and EMS organizations sign the WHO petition

The petition, which seeks to ensure that the situation for people, who are chemically sensitive or electro-sensitive, was improved by the Spanish organization „Asquifyde”. The petition was signed by many organizations, researchers, and practitioners from around the world. The hope is that WHO will implement this petition, which would apply a consistent international code of disease (ICD) in all countries worldwide for those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS). This ICD code is important because it will allow patients’ doctors to give an accurate diagnosis with expected benefits from the health insurance, which already exists for other disabilities and illnesses. The existence of MCS and EMS has already been demonstrated.

In all countries, binding ICD-10 code for MCS and EMS

Currently, Japan (T65.9) and Germany (T78.4) have the ICD-10 code for MCS. Other German-speaking countries like Switzerland, Luxembourg and Austria ,through their Ministry of Health, say that in their countries the ICD-10 code for MCS, T78.4, is valid and can be used as well.

WHO press conference after hearing

According to the WHO, a press conference will take place after the hearing. It will be headed by Sonia Miguel Jara and journalists. To fund this important press conference following the WHO hearing, Asquifyde and other MCS and EMS organizations, are asking anyone who is concerned about the environmental concerns of those ill from environmental factors to contribute financial support.

Help the environmentally ill

Scientists estimate that about 15-30% of the general population in industrialized countries suffer with MCS. The number of EMS stakeholders increases by the progressive expansion of mobile networks also. These people are almost without exception, without the help and support, which contradicts the international disability convention and applicable laws. Ignoring and negation of environmental diseases in recent years has led to indescribable suffering and to considerable financial losses to the economy. It is hoped that the leaders at the WHO, will respect the suffering of those patients with MCS and EMS and take seriously the international petition and act according to their stated mission which is to provide assistance to those disabled internationally.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, 2 May 2011