Understanding Nasal Polyps and Treatment Options
Nasal Polyps FAQ
What causes nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps can be a part of this condition. Certain conditions make nasal inflammation and nasal polyps more likely. These include asthma, an allergy to aspirin, cystic fibrosis and some rare conditions (such as allergic fungal sinusitis and nasal issues like Churg-Strauss syndrome).
What is the best treatment for nasal polyps?
Oral antileukotriene medications, such as Singulair (montelukast), may be prescribed for people who have nasal polyps. Nasal saline irrigation can be especially helpful for people with nasal polyps and chronic sinus infections. This is especially true if you've had sinus surgery, as saline can rinse out the sinuses and not just the nasal passages.
What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?
Some of the symptoms caused by polyps are nasal obstruction and congestion. Doctors usually diagnose nasal polyps based on their characteristic appearance. Corticosteroids can shrink or eliminate polyps, but sometimes polyps must be removed surgically. Polyps are common teardrop-shaped growths that form around the openings to the sinus cavities.
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are fleshy swellings that grow inside the nose or sinuses. They are usually non-cancerous (benign). The most common symptoms they cause are a stuffy, runny nose. Steroid nasal drops are commonly used to shrink the polyps. Surgical removal of polyps is sometimes needed.
Are nasal polyps cancer?
Nasal polyps are painless growths inside the nose or the hollow areas inside the bones of the face, also known as sinuses. Nasal polyps aren't cancer. Small nasal polyps might not cause symptoms. Larger growths or groups of nasal polyps can block the nose. They can lead to breathing problems, not being able to smell and infections.
How do I know if I have nasal polyps?
If your polyps block your sinuses (the air pockets around your nose) you may also have symptoms of sinusitis. A GP should be able to tell if you have nasal polyps by looking inside your nose. If you have nasal polyps, you'll usually be given steroid nose drops or a spray to shrink the polyps.
What happens if you have a small polyp in your nose?
Small polyps in your nose might not cause symptoms at all. But if they start to grow, you could develop: Nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Rhinorrhea (runny nose). Headaches. Loss of taste and smell. Nosebleeds. Postnasal drip. Sinus pressure. Snoring. When polyps grow large enough, they can block your nasal passages and sinuses, leading to:
Nasal Polyps References
If you want to know more about Nasal Polyps, consider exploring links below:
What Is Nasal Polyps
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nasal-polyps/
- https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/nasal-polyps-leaflet
- https://www.healthline.com/health/nasal-polyps
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20351888
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-tell-if-you-have-nasal-polyps-5206960
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15250-nasal-polyps
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/nose-and-sinus-disorders/nasal-polyps
- https://www.health.com/nasal-polyps-8386869
Nasal Polyps Information
Explore Related Topics
Long-term Benefits of Asthma Medication Adherence: Your Stories
Inviting members to share their positive experiences and the long-term benefits they've noticed from adhering to their asthma medication schedule.
Breaking Down Steroid Resistance in Asthma: Myth or Reality?
Explore the concept of steroid resistance in asthma. Is it a significant concern or a rare occurrence? Share your insights or questions.
The Role of Medication in Managing Exercise-Induced Asthma
Let's talk about the role of medication in controlling exercise-induced asthma. How has medication helped you during exercise? Share your experiences and questions.
Yoga for Asthmatics: Breathing Easier?
Discussing the benefits yoga and specific breathing exercises might have for those with asthma. Share your experiences and tips for practices that have helped manage your symptoms.