Nasal Polyps

What is Nasal Polyps?

Nasal Polyps are soft, tender, and non-cancerous growth inside the nasal cavity. These hang from the nose lining (usually both nostrils) like tear drops resulting in a running nose, loss of smell, decreased taste, etc. The polyps may vary in size and can be yellowish or pink in appearance. Large polyps can cause breathing difficulties and affect the patients smelling power. They block sinus and cause infections. The disorder seems to affect more than 10 million people per year in India alone. Nasal polyps are common in men as compared to women and can arise at any stage. People suffering from asthma, sinus, and allergies are more likely to develop the disorder.

Symptoms

People suffering from nasal polyps develop chronic inflammation of the nasal passage lining, and sinuses (chronic sinusitis). Clusters or large polyps obstruct the nasal passage. The most common symptoms are:

  • Running nose.
  • Stuffy or blocked nose.
  • Post-nasal drip feeling of mucus running down the throat.
  • Loss of smelling power which may not improve even if polyps are treated.
  • Loss of taste.
  • Pain in the face, and headache.
  • Snoring.
  • Itchiness around the eyes.
  • Sleep apnea.
  • Double or blurred vision.

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Causes

Though the exact cause of nasal polyps is not very clear, majority cases are linked to non-allergic asthma. Some of the most probable causes include:

  • Swelling or nasal inflammation.
  • Fluid build-up in the interstitial spaces.
  • Appearance of nasal polyps near the sinus openings.

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Risks

The main risk factors are:

  • Aspirin sensitivity.
  • Rhinitis/Rhinosinusitis.
  • Cystic fibrosis.
  • Age.
  • Genetic or hereditary factors.

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Prevention

In order to prevent the disease from occurring, one should take care of the following things:

  • Avoiding allergies.
  • Keeping your nose clean and unblocked.
  • Taking a diet that prevents the formation of polyps.
  • Regular usage of nasal sprays.

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How is it diagnosed?

A nasal polyp is not visible with a naked eye. It will be visible with help of a lighted instrument called otoscope or nasoscope. At Medanta, following are the procedures required to diagnose the d...

How is it treated?

Based on the cause and diagnosis of the disease various treatments are advised. 

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  • Medications

    Anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce the size of polyps and relieve congestion are prescribed. Non-steroidal nasal sprays can be used to remove congestion and blockage. The sprays shrink the polyps in size and give relief from a running nose. In cases where nasal sprays fail to work, injectable steroids like prednisone can be used. However, should not be used as a long-term solution. Antibiotics and antihistamines also treat allergies or infections caused by inflammation of the nasal cavity.

  • Surgery

    If there is no relief in symptoms, surgery is opted. However, the surgery type depends on the size of the polyps. Polypectomy is the surgery performed with a small suction device to cut and remove the soft tissue part, including mucosa. For large polyps, endoscopic surgeries are performed, after which antibiotics are given to keep away infection.

When do I contact the doctor?

You should immediately contact a doctor, if you begin to face symptoms such as lost taste, snoring, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose. All these symptoms are going to be treated just right with the help of our medical expertise at Medanta. 

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