Nasal polyps are benign (non-cancerous), soft, and painless growths in the lining of the nose (nasal mucosa) or sinuses. The polyps swell up and partially block the nasal passages and sinuses causing irritation. In this section let us read about who are prone to nasal polyps, what are the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of nasal polyps.
Who is more prone to getting nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are more common in people with:
- Nasal allergies otherwise known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever
- Asthma
- Repeated respiratory tract infections
- Inflammation in the nasal passages also called chronic rhinosinusitis
What are the causes for nasal polyps?
The main cause for the development of nasal polyps is change in the soft and moist layer lining your nose and the sinuses, which are the air-filled cavities around the nose. The mucus layer becomes swollen usually due to allergies or infections and gets filled up with fluids developing into reddish mass or growth which later turn into polyps.
What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?
Usually when small in size, nasal polyps are asymptomatic. As they grow in size the polyps may cause:
- Frequent or constant headaches
- Loss of smell (Clinically called anosmia)
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Nosebleeds
- Irritation
- Constant feeling that you need to clean your throat (clinically called postnasal drip)
- Pressure or pain in the sinuses, face or top teeth
If the polyps are large they may cause:
- Snoring and sleep apnea
- Repeated nasal and sinus infections
- Difficulty in breathing
- Frequent asthma attacks in people with asthma
How are nasal polyps diagnosed?
Nasal polyps are diagnosed by a thorough clinical examination of your symptoms, medical history of allergies, and nasal endoscopy or CT scan if deemed necessary.
What is the treatment for nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps may not be treatable (permanently stopped from developing) in all cases. The polyps have a tendency to easily recur even with treatment. However, several treatments can help:
Steroid sprays to shrink the polyps and alleviate symptoms
Antibiotics to treat infections if any
Injections under the skin
Surgical placement of a tiny stent to open the nasal passages and deliver steroids or other medications
Endoscopic surgery to remove polyps if other treatments don’t work
How to prevent nasal polyps?
It may not be possible to prevent nasal polyps in all cases. However, the following precautions may help:
- Follow your allergy and asthma medications regularly
- Avoid breathing airborne allergens or irritants
- Use a saline nasal spray or rinse to remove allergens or other irritants
- Practice good nasal hygiene
- Use a humidifier at home to maintain moisture in your breathing passages
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