🔅Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths inside the nasal passages.
– They often occur in the area where the upper sinuses drain into your nose (where your eyes, nose, and cheekbones meet).
– You may not notice nasal polyps at first, but they can cause problems such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, sinus infections, and breathing difficulties.
– Nasal polyps are not cancerous and do not usually cause pain. However, they can grow large enough to block the airflow through the nose or interfere with the drainage of the sinuses. This can lead to inflammation and infection of the nasal and sinus tissues, which can worsen the symptoms and complications of nasal polyps.
Causes of Nasal Polyps
– The exact cause of nasal polyps is not clear, but they are thought to be related to chronic inflammation of the nasal and sinus lining. Some factors that may trigger or contribute to this inflammation include allergies, asthma, sinus infections, aspirin sensitivity, cystic fibrosis, immune disorders, or genetic factors.
Diagnosis of Nasal Polyps
– The diagnosis of nasal polyps is usually based on the symptoms and a physical examination of the nose. Sometimes, other tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions, such as nasal endoscopy, CT scan, allergy test, cystic fibrosis test, or blood test.
Treatment of Nasal Polyps
– The treatment of nasal polyps depends on the size, number, and location of the polyps, as well as the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms.
– Some common treatment options include:
• Medications: These include nasal steroid sprays, oral steroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, or biologics. These medications can help reduce the inflammation and shrink or eliminate the polyps. However, they may have side effects or lose effectiveness over time.
• Surgery: This involves removing the polyps and clearing the sinuses using an endoscope and tiny instruments. This procedure can help improve the airflow and drainage of the nose and sinuses. However, it may have risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, or recurrence of the polyps.
• Prevention: This involves avoiding or reducing exposure to factors that trigger or worsen nasal polyps, such as allergens, irritants, infections, or stress. It also involves managing any underlying conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the nose and sinuses, such as allergies or asthma.
