What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are benign growths that develop within the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. If large enough, these growths may block the passages and cause breathing difficulties, sinus infections or other complications. Nasal polyps can affect anyone, but they occur more frequently in adults. Medications may shrink or eliminate nasal polyps, but surgery is sometimes needed to remove them.
Signs And Symptoms Of Nasal Polyps
Most patients with nasal polyps may experience the following symptoms:
- Nasal congestion
- A runny nose
- A headache
- Facial pain
- Loss of smell or taste
- Sinus pressure
- Snoring
If the nasal polyp is small, patients may not experience any symptoms and may be unaware that they even have a nasal polyp.
What Causes Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are most common in adults, especially those that have asthma or allergies. The exact cause of nasal polyps is not known, however, they often develop in occurrence with respiratory diseases such as sinusitis and allergic rhinitis or with immunodeficiency conditions. Children with cystic fibrosis are also at a higher risk.
Diagnosis Of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are commonly diagnosed by a doctor or otolaryngologist who will review the patient’s symptoms and perform a physical examination of the nose. A lighted instrument is commonly used to look inside the nose through a procedure called a nasal endoscopy.
Additional diagnostic tests may include:
- Allergy tests
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Cystic Fibrosis test for children
How Are Nasal Polyps Treated?
Medication
Treatment for nasal polyps is often provided through medications that can reduce the size of the polyp or even eliminate it. Medication such as corticosteroids may be administered in the form of pills or nasal sprays. If allergies are the cause of the nasal polyps, allergy medications may be given or antibiotics may be prescribed to treat recurring nasal infections.
Surgical Options For Nasal Polyps
Surgery may be required to remove the polyp if medication is unsuccessful. Surgery for nasal polyps may include:
- Polypectomy – Suctions out the polyp
- Endoscopic Sinus Surgery – Carefully removes the polyp with tiny instruments guided by an endoscope
Prevention Of Nasal Polyps
Not all polyps can be prevented, however, the following recommendations may help in minimizing their occurrence:
- Use a humidifier
- Treat allergies and colds
- Use a saline or salt water nasal rinse
- Avoid irritants such as smoke, chemicals, and dust
Read What Our Patients Are Saying!
"Dr. Daneshrad has an impeccable bedside manner, which was very important for us when selecting a doctor (our ten year old not only inherited the horrific sinuses gene, but he also got dinged in the anxiety department, poor kid). Dr. D knew how to treat my son so that he was as comfortable and as calm as possible prior to his surgical procedure (which, I might add, went off without a hitch). We trust Dr. Daneshrad!!! The entire experience turned out to be a thousand times better than we could have ever hoped for… Thanks, Dr. D and staff!!! Our son can now breath!!!! (AND he wasn’t traumatized in the process 😉"
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Schedule A Consultation At Daneshrad Clinic
To learn more about nasal polyps and treatment of nasal polyps at the Daneshrad Clinic, call 310.453.6500. We proudly serve patients from Santa Monica, Torrance, Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Brentwood, Malibu, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes.