Nasal polyps are fleshy, benign tumors arising from the mucosa of the nasal cavity and or sinuses. It is actually caused by the damage that occurred through healing after a long-term inflammation, and can be related to allergies, asthma or sinusitis. Although nasal polyps are normally benign, they are able to contribute to discomfort and can become a problem if left alone.
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are painless, reddish transparent excrescences which may occur unilaterally or bilaterally in the nasal cavity. They develop when the mucous membrane of the nose or sinuses is swollen for some time due to inflammation. These growths are occasions of differing size and may therefore not be discernible or can hinder breathing by reaching the size of the nasal passages. You can get this condition managed with the help of a ENT Specialist near you.
Causes
While the exact cause of nasal polyps is unclear, several factors are believed to contribute to their development:While the exact cause of nasal polyps is unclear, several factors are believed to contribute to their development:
- Chronic Inflammation: Inflammation which may be recurrent from sinusitis, asthma and even rhinitis can extend for a long period thus encouraging the formation of polyps.
- Allergies: Persons with seasonal allergies or other allergies to dust, molds or animal hairs also develop nasal polyps.
- Asthma: Non allergic asthma and nasal polyps co-exist because those with asthma are at a higher risk of contracting nasal polyps everycelenews.
- Aspirin Sensitivity: Some of the patients who have nasal polyps develop complications especially when they take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and those of them who have sinus problems are also more likely to have intolerance to aspirin.
- Cystic Fibrosis: It is also associated with genetic disorder that affects mucin production, a factor that can lead to development of nasal polyps.
- Immune Disorders: Abnormal inflammatory response due to immune dysfunctions may also be blamed for polyp formation.
Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
It is likely that polyps in the nasal cavity that are small do develop no symptoms. However, larger polyps or clusters can lead to noticeable issues, including:However, larger polyps or clusters can lead to noticeable issues, including:
- Nasal Congestion: Stuffy or congested nose, or as they sometimes call it, ‘stuffed up nose. ’
- Runny Nose: Increase in secretion which in some cases could cause frequent blowing of noses rantihusband.
- Reduced Sense of Smell or Taste: Taste and smell disorders; loss of sense of taste and or smell.
- Postnasal Drip: Stomach churning and nausea or feeling faint Heartburn and/or digestive discomfort.
- Facial Pressure or Pain: Cortical sensation pathology comprises discomfort, which is most often localized to the regions of the nose, forehead, or upper teeth.
- Snoring or Sleep Apnea: Congenital and acquired airway anomalies – due to airway obstruction by polyps.
- Chronic Sinus Infections: Sinusitis which may be a recurrent or a chronic condition when the sinuses are unable to drain properly.
Management of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps can be treated using medication although in severe cases surgery may be required.
- Nasal Corticosteroids: They are the initial management when dealing with nasal polyps. Systemic corticosteroids have an efficacy in the management of nasal polyps through reduction of inflammation and size of polyps.
- Oral or Injectable Steroids: In some instances, a short course of oral steroids or an injection may be recommended for such patients.
- Antihistamines: Employed in the treatment of allergies that may be a cause of polyps’ formation.
- Antibiotics: If polyps are caused by bacteria, which can be often the case, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Surgical Options
- Polypectomy: This is a fairly simple procedure where polyps are shaved off with the aid of a suction process or a microdebrider device. It is normally done under local anesthesia.
- Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Large polyps or those that have recurred may however require endoscopic surgery. The surgeon has to perform endoscopic surgery whereby the surgeon uses an endoscope to remove the polyps and make the sinuses wider in order to drain celebson.
Conclusion
Nasal polyps are fairly frequent but if diagnosed early the condition is not difficult to manage. Only when you pay attention to the signs and seek professional assistance, can you understand and control the manifestations of nasal polyps, and enhance your condition of nasal function. Sometimes treatment like medication or sometimes surgery can also help to give relief and can again start normal breathing and normal functioning. Book your appointment with an ENT Specialist in Rawalpindi if your health is compromised due to nasal polyps.
