Nasal Polyps: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths in the mucus lining that arises due to inflammation. They are usually not a health threat, but polyps can grow until they obstruct the nasal passages. Dr.Mani H. Zadeh, M.D F.A.C.S., applies advanced diagnostic techniques and surgical procedures for nasal polyps los angeles.
Symptoms of nasal polyps
Sinusitis occurs when there is inflammation in the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis is when the condition lasts for more than 12 months. Approximately 2% of chronic sinusitis patients develop nasal polyps.
The swelling and enlargement of nasal polyps may lead to blockages. Symptoms of obstructions emerge when polyps occupy 70 to 95% of the nasal passage.
Symptoms of nasal polyps may include:
Blocked or running nose
A diminished sense of taste or smell
Frequent snoring or nose bleeding
Persistent need to swallow
It is possible to confuse symptoms of nasal polyps with signs of a cold or flu. The primary difference is that a cold clears in about seven days. Polyps will only reduce after treatment.
What causes nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps usually develop after an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The nasal mucosa becomes irritated, causing it to swell and turn red. Polyps are cyst-like growth that emerges due to sustained irritation of nasal tissues.
The inflammation that triggers nasal polyps could be due to asthma or chronic sinusitis. Other health issues like hay fever may also irritate the sinuses, leading to the enlargement of polyps.
Nasal polyps usually affect adults and are rare in children. If you are resistant to aspirin, taking the medication increases the risk of an unhealthy reaction. Aspirin is contraindicated for patients with asthma and nasal polyps.
Nasal polyps diagnostic process
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and visually examine the growth in your nasal cavity. An endoscope is used to observe tumors, inflammation, and polyps. The instrument is only a fraction of an inch in diameter and hardly causes discomfort.
Your provider may also obtain sinus cultures by swabbing of your nasal passages. The purpose of the culture is to establish the pathogens causing the inflammation. It helps in determining the appropriate medication to address nasal polyps.
The diagnostic process may involve blood tests to check levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is known to be a factor in many cases of nasal inflammation. Addressing the deficiency could limit the progression of nasal polyps.
Treatment options and surgical procedures
Nasal sprays are some of the drugs used to reduce inflammation. They can shrink the growth and open up nasal passages. Your provider may prescribe oral medication if you are unresponsive to steroidal nasal sprays.
If diagnostic tests determine you have an allergy, antibiotics may help ease nasal polyps symptoms. However, drug prescriptions only provide temporary relief, and the problem may recur if you stop taking medication.
An endoscopic surgical procedure is usually necessary for removing enlarged polyps completely. It unblocks the sinuses’ drainage pathways using a thin instrument called an endoscope with specialized tools on one end. It improves breathing and relieves headaches and nasal congestion.
Consult Dr.Mani H. Zadeh, M.D F.A.C.S., for a nasal polyps consultation today.