Nasal Polyps

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths in the nose or sinuses. While they are typically painless, larger polyps or clusters of polyps can obstruct nasal passages, causing breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, loss of smell, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Nasal polyps can occur in individuals of any age but are more prevalent among young and middle-aged adults. Treatment usually involves medications to reduce the size of the polyps or surgical removal. However, recurrence of nasal polyps is common after treatment.

What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps can cause irritation, swelling, and inflammation inside the nose and sinuses. If the symptoms persist for over three months, it becomes chronic sinusitis. However, chronic sinusitis can occur without the presence of nasal polyps.
Chronic sinusitis associated with nasal polyps can cause a runny and stuffy nose, postnasal drip, loss of smell and taste, headache, pain in the face or teeth, pressure sensation in the forehead and face, and snoring.

When to see a doctor?

If your symptoms do not improve within ten days, seek a proper diagnosis.

What are the causes of nasal polyps?

The cause of nasal polyps is not clear due to the complexity of the causative mechanism. However, research suggests that people affected by nasal polyps may exhibit an abnormal immune response and distinct chemical markers in the nasal and sinus linings compared to those who do not develop polyps. These chemical markers play a signaling response role. Further investigation into this active area of study is greatly needed.

What are the risk factors for developing nasal polyps?

Conditions associated with nasal polyps are allergies or infections that cause chronic inflammation in the nose. These include asthma, aspirin sensitivity, cystic fibrosis, dental infections, and vitamin D deficiency. People with a family history of nasal polyps are at higher risk than others.

What are the complications of nasal polyps?

Persistent sinus infection can lead to rare and severe complications such as bone infection, bone loss, and abscesses spreading to the eye sockets and brain, causing meningitis. 

How are nasal polyps diagnosed?

• History and physical exam
• Nasal endoscopy
• Imaging studies such as CT scans to determine the size and location of nasal polyps and rule out other possible causes of nasal congestion or blockage. 
• Skin prick test 
• Blood tests
• Sweat test for cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary condition that impacts the cells producing mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. 

How are nasal polyps treated?

Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms caused by nasal polyps.

• Medications can relieve symptoms, but they cannot eliminate nasal polyps. 
  • Steroid nasal sprays to alleviate symptoms and reduce the size of polyps.
  • Oral steroids such as prednisone pills
  • Biologics like dupilumab injections contain monoclonal antibodies that activate the immune system and potentially shrink nasal polyps.
  • Antibiotics for infection.
• Minimally invasive surgery is appropriate for large nasal polyps. 
  
  • Polypectomy. Removal of nasal polyps by surgical scissors or snares. 
  • Balloon sinuplasty involves the insertion of a tiny balloon through your nostril. The doctor will inflate the balloon to open the nasal passages and remove the nasal polyps with a microdebrider.
  • Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) can remove polyps, diseased tissue, damaged bone, and other obstructions inside the nasal passages. This procedure is a minimally invasive surgery with the use of a microdebrider.

How can nasal polyps be prevented?

Keep your allergies or asthma under control by strictly following the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.

• Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, and dust.
• Wash your hands frequently to minimize nasal infection. 
• Run a humidifier to add moisture to the air, alleviating nasal congestion and irritation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper cleaning to prevent bacterial overgrowth.
• Rinse your nostrils with a nasal wash or saltwater spray to remove irritants from the nasal passages. Properly clean and keep the equipment after each use to ensure good hygiene.

FAQ

• Can nasal polyps go away spontaneously?
  In certain instances, nasal polyps may spontaneously decrease in size over time. However, most of the time, treatments are necessary. 
• Is it possible for me to visually detect nasal polyps?
  Typically, you cannot self-observe nasal polyps by looking inside your nose. However, if they grow large enough, your doctor may be able to visualize them with a nasoscope.
• Can nasal polyps be dislodged?
  Trauma or forceful nose blowing may cause nasal polyps to swell or dislodge. Nasal steroid sprays can aid in reducing inflammation and shrinking the polyps. 
• Can I remove nasal polyps by myself?
  Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove nasal polyps yourself. Doing so can result in excessive bleeding and infection. It is essential to seek professional medical assistance for proper diagnosis and treatment of nasal polyps.

A note from MedPark’s doctors

Nasal polyps can cause chronic nasal congestion, impacting your ability to breathe comfortably. Without treatment, they can progressively worsen and potentially cause damage to the bones and tissues of the nose. If you experience symptoms such as runny nose, postnasal drip, loss of taste and smell, and pressure in the forehead and face, you should see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis.