Hispanic Americans, nasal polyps, and culturally competent care

Nasal polyps are sac-like growths of inflamed tissue that form inside the sinuses and inside the nasal cavity. These growths are benign, meaning they are noncancerous—though cancerous growths can also form in these parts of the body, and any abnormal growth should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

While the exact cause is not fully understood, nasal polyps are typically associated with health conditions that cause inflammation in the sinuses. Examples include chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, allergies, infections, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

Treatment for nasal polyps involves identifying and treating the underlying condition. Depending on the size, severity, and location of the polyps, treatment can also include medications to shrink polyps and/or surgery to remove polyps.

Nasal polyps and Hispanic Americans

Race and ethnicity can be factors when it comes to a person’s risk of having certain health conditions. Race, ethnicity, culture, and where a person lives are often important factors in a person’s experience living with and treating a health condition, including their experience with the healthcare system.

Research looking at nasal polyps among Hispanic populations is limited, but there are a few conclusions to be drawn, and more questions to be asked.

• People from Hispanic populations (as well as other racial and ethnic minorities) are underrepresented in data and research about chronic rhinosinusitis (including chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps). This is based on a review of multiple studies involving over 8,000 participants.
• People in Hispanic populations with chronic rhinosinusitis present with more severe symptoms, including nasal polyps. This is based on a small study conducted in south Florida.
• Fewer people in the Hispanic population have surgery for nasal polyps. This may mean that the prevalence is lower, or that fewer people in this population have access to this treatment. This is also true of Black populations. This is based on a study that looked at data collected from Medicaid users over a 4-year period.

While there is still much to be learned, the information that is available highlights two important needs. One is the need for more representation of Hispanic Americans in research studies. The second is the need for culturally competent care in healthcare settings.

What is culturally competent care?

Cultural competence is a healthcare provider’s ability to recognize the ways that race, ethnicity, cultural background, and language can affect a person’s healthcare needs.

As a person seeking care, cultural competence is something to consider when choosing a healthcare provider. This can mean different things for different people. It may mean finding a healthcare provider who shares a similar cultural background to your own. Or it may mean finding a multilingual provider who speaks the same languages you speak.

Here are some questions to ask when choosing a healthcare provider:

• Do you feel respected at your healthcare appointments?
• Do you feel that your questions and concerns are taken seriously?
• Do you feel like your healthcare provider understands what you mean when you explain something?
• Do you feel you have a good understanding of what your healthcare provider means when they give an explanation?
• Do you feel you can be honest with your healthcare provider?
• What language do you feel most comfortable communicating in?
• How does this healthcare provider compare to other providers you have worked with in the past?

Working with the right healthcare provider can mean a much better outcome from treatment, and it’s worth the time and effort it can take to find a provider that is a good fit for you.