NASAL POLYP REMOVAL

What are Nasal Polyps?

A nasal polyp is a non-cancerous teardrop-shaped growth that can develop in the lining of your nose as a result of ongoing swelling and irritation. They are usually found where the sinuses open into the nasal passages. If they’re small, you probably won’t even know that you have them. If they are larger, they may cause issues like nasal obstruction, trouble breathing through the nose, snoring, sinus infections, and severe sinus headaches and pressure. In this case, your ENT specialist may recommend treatment to remove nasal polyps.

Diagnosing Nasal Polyps

Doctors can usually diagnose nasal polyps based on your answers to questions about your symptoms, a general physical exam, and an examination of your nose. A nasal polyp may be visible in the nasal passages with the aid of a simple lighted instrument.

Other diagnostic tests include:

• Nasal endoscopy – A detailed examination inside your nose and sinuses using a narrow tube with a lighted magnifying lens or tiny camera.

• Imaging studies – Computerized tomography (CT) can help your doctor pinpoint the size and location of polyps in deeper areas of your sinuses and evaluate the extent of inflammation. These images also help the doctor rule out other possible blockages in your nasal cavities.

• Allergy tests – To determine if allergies are contributing to chronic inflammation. These tests can be done as a skin test or a blood test

• Test for cystic fibrosis – If a child is diagnosed with nasal polyps, the doctor may suggest testing for cystic fibrosis.

• Blood test – Doctors may test your blood for low levels of vitamin D, which is associated with nasal polyps.

What causes nasal polyps to develop?

Nasal polyps form as a result of prolonged irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinuses. You may be more likely to get nasal polyps if you have any of the following conditions:

• Chronic sinusitis

• Asthma

• Allergic rhinitis

• Sensitivity to certain drugs, including aspirin

• Cystic fibrosis

• Certain immune disorders

• Churg-Strauss Syndrome

• Family history of nasal polyps

It may sometimes be impossible to prevent nasal polyps. Fortunately, nasal polyp treatment is minimally-invasive.

Nasal Polyp Symptoms

The size of nasal polyps can vary. Small ones often cause no problems at all, but the larger they are, the more likely it is that they will cause issues such as:

• Nasal obstruction
• Breathing problems
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Reduced sense of smell or taste
• Headaches and facial pain
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Broadening of the nasal bridge (with particularly large polyps)

Nasal Polyp Removal Procedure

The usual procedure is a polypectomy and is usually performed using an endoscope, a tube with a tiny camera, that gives your doctor a detailed view inside your nose and sinuses. During this procedure, the polyps and any other problematic tissue are removed using special instruments that are passed through your nasal cavity to perform the corrections, so no incisions will need to be made to your face. This procedure can shrink nasal polyps with long-term results.

Recovering From Nasal Polyp Removal

Recovery from nasal polyp removal is typically minimal. Your nose will likely drain for a few days after surgery, and some blood may be present. Don’t blow your nose and make sure to avoid nasal irritants – our doctor will give you detailed instructions to follow.