Nasal polyps are benign\ngrowths that occur on the mucosal lining of the nasal passages. They are\ntypically small and though noncancerous can still cause obstructions of the\nsinuses, leading to congestion, breathing problems and sinus infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some nasal polyps are tiny\nand cause few problems. Others produce symptoms such as runny nose, congestion,\nsneezing, loss of smell and taste, postnasal drip, headache, sinus pain and\npressure and snoring. If symptoms persist longer than ten days and are not\nassociated with a cold or allergies, seek medical attention. Even though nasal\npolyps are benign, if left untreated they can grow large enough to cause\nserious complications including obstructive sleep apnea, meningitis, blood clots\nand aneurysms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people develop nasal\npolyps randomly, but most often there is some sort of triggering mechanism.\nCommon triggers include asthma, hay fever, chronic sinus infections, cystic\nfibrosis and sensitivity to aspirin and other NSAIDs. Genetics may also play a\nrole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A diagnosis is usually made\nthrough visual inspection with an otoscope or nasal endoscopy. An imaging test,\neither a CT scan or MRI, can be useful in determining the size of the polyp and\nin ruling out more serious growths, such as tumors. Allergy tests may be\nadministered in order to identify the substance responsible for your symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nasal polyps can be treated\nwith either medication or surgery. The goal is to reduce the size of the polyp\nor remove it completely in order to alleviate your symptoms. Nasal sprays, oral\nor injectable steroids, antihistamines and antibiotics are all common drug\ntreatments. If they are ineffective, surgery may be performed. The type of procedure\ndepends on the size of the polyp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An outpatient procedure\ncalled a polypectomy uses a suction device or microdebrider to remove the\nlesion and surrounding tissue, and is effective for treating smaller polyps.\nLarger ones may require endoscopic sinus surgery. In this procedure, a camera\nis mounted on a flexible tube, and tools on the end are used for excising the\npolyp. <\/p>\n\n\n