CONDITIONS
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are growths that develop along the lining, inside the nose and sinuses. Nasal polyps can occur due to inflammation, infection, allergies and disorders that affect your immune system. Even though small nasal polyps may not present with any symptoms, larger polyps may obstruct your nasal passages and lead to nasal blockage and recurrent infections. There are specific types of medications that help shrink polyps, but surgical removal may be needed if the medications don’t help.
Symptoms
- Nasal blockage
- Runny nose
- Lack of smell and poor taste
- Facial fullness
Associated causes
Chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic reactions to airborne fungi, cystic fibrosis, and asthma are some of the factors contributing to the formation of nasal polyps.
When to seek treatment
If you have a persistent nasal blockage, nose bleed, double vision, eye swelling and facial swelling, you should see an ENT doctor.
Treatment for Nasal polyps
Dr Cezula uses a nasal endoscope to see inside the nose and sinuses. She will be able to confirm the presence of nasal polyps by carrying out this procedure. Other tests to find the cause of polyps may include a test for allergies, cystic fibrosis and blood tests.
Treatment for nasal polyps aims to minimise their size or obliterate them. Medications to reduce the size of nasal polyps include nasal corticosteroid sprays and tablets. Should drug therapy fail to relieve symptoms, endoscopic sinus surgery is another option used in the treatment. Your doctor may also rinse your nasal passages using saline water after surgery. However, nasal polyps tend to recur, so you need to continue taking the corticosteroid sprays even when your symptoms improve.
FAQ
What does the diagnosis of nasal polyps involve?
Using an endoscope, your doctor can see inside your nasal passages and check for overly large or multiple tiny nasal polyps obstructing the flow of air.
Can nasal polyps go away without treatment?
Unfortunately, nasal polyps cannot disappear without seeking medical treatment. Your doctor will advise whether you must take prescribed medication such as oral corticosteroids and sprays or suggests surgery to remove nasal polyps if necessary.
When is surgery necessary to remove nasal polyps?
When nasal corticosteroid sprays and tablets fail to shrink the nasal polyps, the ENT specialist may remove them surgically. Involvement of surrounding structures like eyes also requires surgical treatment.