All You Need to Know about Nasal Polyps

Noncancerous growths that are soft and painless on the sinus or nasal passage lining are called nasal polyps. While we do not fully understand the exact causes of nasal polyps, they are often associated with chronic inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses due to recurrent infections, asthma, allergies, drug sensitivity, or specific immune disorders.

Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

Common nasal polyps symptoms are such a runny nose, postnasal drip, snoring, hard to breathe through the nose, reduced sense of smell and taste, and headaches.

Untreated nasal polyps can result in some complications and persistent symptoms, such as:

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Generally, nasal polyps are diagnosed through a review of medical history, along with a physical examination and occasionally imaging studies.

• Physical examination: A nasal speculum is used to check the inside of the nose for nasal polyps or other abnormalities in the nasal passages.
• Nasal endoscopy: In certain situations, a nasal endoscopy might be done. The doctor may examine your nasal passages using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera. It helps to make the nasal polyps and their location more visible.
• Imaging studies: If further detail is needed on the polyp’s size and location, a CT (computed tomography) scan may be ordered to provide a clearer assessment.

Treatment Options

Treatment for nasal polyps involves taking both medical and surgical approaches, depending on the condition’s severity and persistence.

• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe nasal corticosteroid spray, like fluticasone or mometasone, to reduce inflammation and shrink the polyps. Oral corticosteroids may also be prescribed. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat underlying bacterial infections and antihistamines to manage allergy symptoms that may lead to the development of nasal polyps. However, they do not directly treat the nasal polyps themselves.
• Surgery: Surgery might be required if drugs are unable to lessen or remove the polyps. To remove polyps and address sinus problems that lead to inflammation and polyp formation, an endoscope will be utilised.

Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Despite not being life-threatening, nasal polyps should be treated because of their negative effects on quality of life and their numerous potential complications. It is crucial to speak with your doctor to properly manage the condition to reduce symptoms and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions or concerns about nasal polyps, schedule an appointment with the dedicated team of expert ENT specialists at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals. We are committed to providing personalised care, tailored to your individual needs.