What are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths that form on the lining of the nose or sinuses. They are not cancerous, but they can block the nasal passages and sinuses, making it difficult to breathe. Nasal polyps are grape-like swellings of the lining of the sinonasal cavities.
Nasal polyps are more common in adults than in children. They are also more common in people with allergies, asthma, and cystic fibrosis.
Researchers are still not sure why some people with chronic sinusitis develop nasal polyps and others don't. The exact cause of nasal polyps is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by chronic inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses.
It is important to note that not everyone with chronic sinusitis will develop nasal polyps. And not everyone with nasal polyps will have chronic sinusitis. However, the two conditions are often linked.
However, there are a few factors that may play a role, including:
- Allergies: People with allergies are more likely to develop nasal polyps. Allergies can cause inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses, which can lead to the formation of polyps.
- Asthma: People with asthma are also more likely to develop nasal polyps. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.
- Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and other organs. People with cystic fibrosis are more likely to develop nasal polyps.
- Immune system disorders: People with certain immune system disorders, such as primary ciliary dyskinesia, are also more likely to develop nasal polyps.
- Smoking: Smoking can irritate the lining of the nose and sinuses, which can lead to the formation of nasal polyps.
- Aspirin sensitivity: People with aspirin sensitivity are more likely to develop nasal polyps. Aspirin sensitivity is a condition in which people experience allergic reactions to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
What are the symptoms of Nasal Polyps?
The most common symptom of nasal polyps is a blocked nose or chronic sinusitis. If a patient’s only symptoms are a blocked nose, and this is because of the polyps, the polyps can be removed in the clinic setting. This avoids the need for courses of oral steroids and for a general anaesthetic.
Polyps are almost always related to inflammation of the sinuses, and can make the sinusitis worse by blocking the drainage of the sinuses. Therefore, patients with polyps often also have symptoms of sinusitis too.
Other symptoms may include:
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Loss of smell
- Loss of taste
- Facial pain and pressure
- Headache
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
Explanations of some symptoms
- Postnasal drip: This is a feeling of mucus dripping down the back of the throat. It can cause a cough and a sore throat.
- Loss of smell: This can be caused by the polyps blocking the drainage openings of the sinuses. Polyps can cause a blocked nose and a reduction/loss of one’s sense of smell. A patient with polyps may constantly sound ‘bunged up’ when they speak. They may have to breathe through their mouth constantly, which can lead to a dry mouth, especially on waking up in the morning.
- Loss of taste: This can be caused by the loss of smell, as taste is closely linked to smell.
- Facial pain and pressure: This can be caused by the polyps blocking the sinuses and causing inflammation.
- Headache: This can be caused by the pressure in the sinuses.
- Snoring: This can be caused by the polyps blocking the nasal passages.
- Sleep apnea: This is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts throughout the night. It can be caused by nasal polyps blocking the nasal passages.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see Mr Khatwa to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
What treatments are available for Nasal Polyps?
The goal of treatment for nasal polyps is to reduce inflammation and shrinkage. Treatment options may include:
- Medications: Nasal sprays and oral corticosteroids can help to reduce inflammation and shrink nasal polyps.
- Surgery: If medications are not effective, surgery may be necessary to remove the nasal polyps. Nasal Polyps Surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
In some cases, a combination of medications and surgery may be necessary.
If you have any of the symptoms of nasal polyps, it is important to see Mr Khatwa to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Occasionally, tumours of the nose and sinuses can look similar to nasal polyps. The presence of polyps on only one side of the nose raises suspicion, and should be investigated by a specialist endoscopic sinus surgeon. A biopsy may need to be taken, either in the clinic or in theatre, with a view to proceeding to further surgery if appropriate.
If you think you may have Nasal Polyps, get in touch with us so we can diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
