Elimination of the polyps of the nose
Nasal polyps are teardrop-shaped growths that can develop in the lining of your nose, usually found where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. They’re non-cancerous and often result from ongoing swelling and irritation caused by chronic sinusitis. If they’re small in size, you may not even know that you have polyps. The larger they are, however, the more likely they are to cause issues, including things like nasal obstruction, trouble breathing through the nose, snoring, and severe sinus headaches and pressure.
If these issues arise, it may be necessary to have your nasal polyps removed.
What causes nasal polyps to develop?
In most cases, nasal polyps form as a result of prolonged irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinuses. It’s not fully understood why some people get polyps and others do not, but one predisposing factor may be your genetics. You may also be more likely to get nasal polyps if you have any of the following conditions:
Chronic sinusitis
Asthma
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Sensitivity to certain drugs, including aspirin
Cystic fibrosis
Certain immune disorders
Churg-Strauss Syndrome (a very rare disease that causes inflamed blood vessels)
What symptoms can polyps in the nose cause?
The size of nasal polyps can vary. Small ones often cause no problems at all, but the larger they are, the more likely it is that they will cause issues such as:
Nasal obstruction
Breathing problems
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Reduced sense of smell or taste
Headaches and facial pain
Snoring
Sleep apnea
Broadening of the nasal bridge (with particularly large polyps)
What are my nasal polyp treatment options?
The first step to determining the appropriate nasal polyps treatment is to be evaluated by an experienced sinus surgeon. Our surgeon will examine you and may recommend that you have a CT scan of your sinuses taken (a service we offer in-office). This will allow our doctor to determine if there are any structural abnormalities (such as a deviated septum) or another condition (such as chronic sinusitis) that’s causing your nasal polyps.
