All About Nasal Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths in the sinus linings. While harmless on their own, excessive polyps can block nasal passages, making breathing difficult and increasing the risk of chronic sinus infections. Fortunately, various treatment options are available to reduce polyps and manage symptoms effectively. Read on to learn everything you need to know about nasal polyps.

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, and non-cancerous tissue growths that develop in the sinus linings. While the growth itself is not painful, they can lead to nasal blockages, especially if they grow larger or grow in number. This can make breathing extremely difficult and the patient also becomes more at risk of developing sinus infections.

Polyps typically appear in colors of yellow, pink, or gray. They can grow in various sizes and develop in one or both nostrils. Polyps can develop individually or in clusters. At first, they appear teardrop-shaped but as they grow, they look more like grapes.

‍

What are the common symptoms of nasal polyps?

●      Breathing difficulties due to nasal congestion

●      A decreased sense of smell

●      Runny nose

●      Postnasal drip (mucus dripping back to the back of the throat)

●      Headaches

●      Snoring

●      Sleep apnea or other similar sleep disorders

●      Pain and pressure in the facial area

●      Pain in the teeth

●      Itchy eyes and eye area

‍

What Causes Nasal Polyps?

Healthcare professionals have not yet determined the exact cause of nasal polyps. While some individuals develop them after a sinus infection, others do not, and the reason for this variation remains unclear.

What we know for sure is that some pre-existing conditions can make someone more susceptible than others. These risk factors can include:

●      Chronic sinusitis

●      Allergies

●      Asthma

●      Allergic rhinitis

●      Cystic fibrosis

●      Sensitivity or intolerance to aspirin

‍

How Can Nasal Polyps Be Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can diagnose nasal polyps by performing a thorough physical examination. A medical instrument called a scope will be used. This tool is equipped with a camera and light at one end so the doctor can see inside the nasal passages. They might also take a small sample of the growth for biopsy purposes.

In some cases, your care provider might request a CT or MRI scan to reveal the growth’s exact size and location.

Additionally, your doctor will ask about your symptoms – including their severity and duration. Your medical history, especially with allergies, asthma, and sinus infections, will also be considered to get a proper diagnosis.

‍

How to Treat Nasal Polyps

There are several treatment options that can help you manage your symptoms:

●     Oral steroids

Oral steroids can shrink the size of nasal polyps and reduce the inflammation of the sinus linings. Reducing the swelling can help clear nasal blockages and improve breathing. Oral steroids are pills you swallow like any other oral medication.

●     Allergy medication

If you have allergies and your doctor determines that this causes the growth, allergy medications will be recommended and prescribed to shrink the size of the growth and reduce the risk of regrowth.

●     Antibiotics and antihistamines

Other oral medications like antibiotics and antihistamines also prove to be effective treatments for nasal polyps. Your doctor might prescribe a round of antibiotics if you have bacteria-caused sinus infections. Antihistamines can also manage allergy symptoms and reduce the inflammation of the nasal passages.

●     Steroid nasal sprays

A common symptom of nasal polyps is blocked nasal passages. Steroid nasal sprays can help address this. They break down mucus buildup and clear airways, and in some cases, they can also shrink the size of nasal polyps.

●     Balloon sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can clear nasal passages and provide a solution for blocked sinus passages. While a balloon is not a treatment for nasal polyps, it can address the congestion. The procedure uses a small balloon catheter that is inserted into the sinus passages and gently inflated to reshape and widen the sinuses to improve breathing. Nasal polyps may be removed in conjunction with this procedure.

●     Nasal endoscopy

Nasal endoscopy is a diagnostic tool used to examine the nasal passages and sinuses. It involves a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera, allowing healthcare professionals to visually assess the condition of the sinuses. This procedure helps identify issues like nasal polyps, blockages, or inflammation.

If nasal polyps are found, treatment options can include polypectomy for smaller polyps or endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for larger, more complex cases. These procedures help remove the polyps, restore proper mucus drainage, and improve breathing.

‍

ENT & Allergy of New Orleans Is an Expert in Nasal Polyps

ENT & Allergy of New Orleans is an expert in nasal polyps. Our team provides diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to address your concerning symptoms. Schedule a consultation with us and get the relief you need today.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.