Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nose and sinuses. They are usually caused by chronic inflammation and often occur in people with allergies, asthma, recurrent sinus infections, or sensitivity to certain medications such as aspirin.
Small polyps may not cause symptoms, but larger polyps or clusters of polyps can block the nasal passages and interfere with normal sinus drainage.
What Are the Symptoms of Nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps can vary in size. Small polyps may cause little to no symptoms, while larger polyps can lead to nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, reduced sense of smell and taste, headaches, facial pressure or sinus pain, and snoring. If these symptoms persist for more than 10 days and are not related to a cold or allergies, medical evaluation is recommended. Although nasal polyps are noncancerous, untreated polyps can continue to grow and may contribute to complications such as obstructive sleep apnea, recurrent sinus infections, meningitis, blood clots, and aneurysms.
Treatment for nasal polyps may involve medication, surgery, or a combination of both. The primary goal is to shrink or remove the polyps, improve nasal airflow, and relieve symptoms. Medical treatment commonly includes nasal steroid sprays, oral or injectable corticosteroids, antihistamines, and antibiotics when infection is present.
If symptoms persist despite medical therapy, surgical treatment may be recommended. Smaller polyps can often be removed with a simple outpatient procedure called a polypectomy. Larger or more extensive polyps may require endoscopic sinus surgery, which uses a small camera and specialized instruments to remove polyps and restore normal sinus drainage.