Nasal polyps are common. According to the National Institute of Health, up to 4% of the population could be affected by them. However, it’s unclear exactly why people get them. One thing we do know? They can make your sinuses go crazy.
A Quick Overview
Nasal polyps are noncancerous, painless growths that appear on the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. Often, they appear where the sinuses and nasal cavity meet.
These grayish polyps are typically grape or teardrop-shaped, and they seem to develop after long-term irritation in the nasal area.
Nasal Polyps Symptoms
Smaller polyps might not cause noticeable symptoms, but larger ones can block the nasal passages, leading to symptoms like:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Postnasal drip
- Sinus headaches
- Itching around the eye area
- Decreased sense of smell
- Dulled sense of taste
- Breathing problems
- Recurring sinus infections (also called chronic sinusitis)
People who have asthma, recurring sinus trouble, hay fever, aspirin sensitivity or cystic fibrosis may be more prone to these polyps.
If you have difficulty breathing or any other symptoms that concern you, be sure to check with a doctor for a personalized diagnosis. To check for polyps, a doctor may visually examine your nose or request a CT scan of the sinuses.
Nasal Polyps Treatment
For people who have nasal polyps, treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms. The treatments options available include:
- Corticosteroid pills
- Steroid nasal sprays
- Allergy medicine
- Surgery (for severe cases or very large polyps. And polyps can return)
If you think you are suffering from this condition, call us for a consultation. Each case is unique, and our expert team can recommend a personalized plan to help keep your symptoms in check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nasal polyps are noncancerous, painless growths that form on the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses, often where the sinuses meet the nasal cavity. According to the National Institute of Health, up to 4% of the population may be affected by nasal polyps.
Larger nasal polyps can block the nasal passages and cause symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, sinus headaches, itching around the eyes, decreased sense of smell, dulled sense of taste, breathing problems, and recurring sinus infections.
Individuals with asthma, recurring sinus issues, hay fever, aspirin sensitivity, or cystic fibrosis have a higher likelihood of developing nasal polyps due to chronic irritation or inflammation in the nasal area.
A doctor can diagnose nasal polyps through a visual examination of the inside of the nose or may recommend a CT scan of the sinuses to confirm the presence and size of polyps for accurate diagnosis.
Treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms and includes corticosteroid pills, steroid nasal sprays, allergy medications, and surgery for severe or large polyps. However, polyps may recur even after surgery.
Yes, large nasal polyps can block nasal passages, which may lead to difficulty breathing through the nose and other related respiratory symptoms, so medical advice should be sought if breathing problems occur.
Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases or when nasal polyps are very large. Most treatments initially focus on medication to manage symptoms, and surgery may be considered if these are ineffective.