Nasal polyps

What are nasal polyps?

Polyps are swellings, often fluid filled, which project into the nasal cavity on both sides of the nose to various degrees. They originate from the lining of the nose, most commonly the sinuses. The exact cause of polyps is unknown, although they are thought to be secondary to infection and/or allergy.

 

What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

If small they may be asymptomatic. When they reach a significant size they may give rise to the following symptoms:

 Nasal blockageRunny noseCatarrh or thick mucus secretionsAltered sense of smell/tasteSymptoms of associated allergy

Polyps arising one side of the nasal cavity are rare and may be due to a number of conditions. In such cases further investigation is necessary to reach a diagnosis.

How do I know if I have nasal polyps?

You need to consult your doctor if you have the above symptoms over a period of time. Polyps are clearly visible on internal examination of the nose. Rarely, they are so large that they protrude out of the nostril and are clearly visible. More commonly it is necessary to carry out an endoscopic examination in the outpatient setting to reach a diagnosis.

What is the treatment for nasal polyps?

No treatment

If your polyps are small and are not causing troublesome symptoms you may opt to have no treatment. If left untreated they may overtime grow and give rise to symptoms, or may remain the same size and not cause any further problems.

Medical Treatment

Medical treatment of polyps involves firstly treating the underlying cause if known (allergy, sinusitis, etc), and secondly attempting to reduce the size of the polyps.

Polyps respond and shrink in size in response to treatment with steroid based nasal sprays in up to 80per cent of people. It may take as long as six weeks before any benefit with nasal sprays can be obtained. Short course of steroid tablets can provide more immediate relief, but can only be used sparingly because of the possible side effects of regular use of steroid tablets.

Surgical Treatment

If medical treatment fails then surgery is usually indicated. The more modern approach to nasal polypectomy (removal of nasal polyps) is with the use of an endoscope through the nose. This is termed endoscopic sinus surgery or endoscopic nasal polypectomy. This avoids the need for any cuts on the face, and arguably allows a more complete removal of polyps. Prior to having your surgery your surgeon may arrange for you to have a CT scan of your sinuses. This will act as anatomical road map for the surgeon when he is performing your surgery. Following surgery continued use of steroid nasal sprays is often recommended.