What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths in the lining of the nasal passages that may cause breathing difficulties and chronic sinusitis. Nasal polyps are soft and painless. These teardrop-shaped growths hang down from the top of the nasal cavity and can block airflow through the nose. Nasal polyps may also inhibit the sinuses from properly draining, which causes mucus to back up and fill the sinuses; this leads to more inflammation and increases the likelihood of developing a sinus infection.
What Causes Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps occur when the nasal passageways and sinuses become inflamed and swell. These growths may be linked to an underlying condition like sinusitis, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), or asthma. Additionally, nasal polyps in children may be an indicator of cystic fibrosis. Chronic sinus infections due to a sinus disorder may also contribute to the development of nasal polyps. Our sinus specialist can diagnose the cause of your nasal polyps during a comprehensive evaluation.
What Are The Symptoms Of Nasal Polyps?
As nasal polyps grow in size, they can partially block the nasal cavity and sinus pathways. An obstruction can impede airflow through the nostrils and cause the sinuses to fill with mucus, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common indicators of nasal polyps are trouble breathing through the nose, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, and facial pressure. Patients who have nasal polyps typically feel like they have had a stuffy, runny nose and other allergy-related symptoms for months. Nasal polyps may also interfere with the flow of air to the olfactory mucosa, which can lead to a loss of smell or taste. Thick, discolored discharge and fever are typically only experienced if your nasal polyps are causing frequent sinus infections.
| NASAL POLYPS SYMPTOMS |
| IMPAIRED BREATHING THROUGH THE NOSE |
| BLOCKAGE OF ONE OR BOTH NOSTRILS |
| NASAL CONGESTION |
| RUNNY NOSE & NASAL DISCHARGE |
| POST-NASAL DRIP |
| COUGHING |
| LOSS OF SMELL |
| IMPAIRED TASTE |
| PAIN AROUND THE UPPER TEETH |
| FACIAL TENDERNESS |
| HEADACHES |
| REOCCURRING SINUS INFECTIONS |
What Are Some Common Nasal Polyp Treatments?
Smaller nasal polyps that are asymptomatic may not require any treatment. Larger polyps can block the nasal and sinus passages and require treatment to relieve symptoms. In some cases, nasal corticosteroid sprays and oral corticosteroids may help to shrink or eliminate nasal polyps. Our sinus specialist may prescribe antibiotics to treat a sinus infection that may be exacerbating your condition. Additionally, antihistamines and other allergy treatments may be recommended if allergic rhinitis is contributing to your nasal polyps. If nasal polyps do not respond to non-surgical treatments, then surgery may be necessary to remove the polyps and unclog the airway.
| NASAL POLYP TREATMENTS |
| Nasal corticosteroid sprays |
| Oral corticosteroids |
| Medications |
| Antibiotics |
| Antihistamines |
| Nasal rinses |
| Surgical removal |
Can Surgery Remove Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyp removal (also known as a nasal polypectomy) is designed to excise growths using the endoscopic sinus surgery approach. Our nasal polyp surgeon will insert an endoscope into the nasal cavity to see inside the nasal passages and identify nasal polyps. The endoscopic probe has a camera attached that transmits real-time images of your nasal cavity and sinuses; this allows our sinus surgeon to perform nasal polyp removal with greater precision and efficiency. Click here to learn more about endoscopic sinus surgery.