Nasal Polyp

Home » Nasal Polyp

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths located in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They may form as a result of chronic inflammation and may also be associated with recurring infection, allergies, asthma, drug sensitivity or an immune disorder.

Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps may cause irritation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses and last more than 12 weeks, a condition called chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis include:

- - Postnasal drip
  - Loss of sense of taste
  - Persistent stuffiness
  - Pain in the upper teeth
  - Decreased or lost sense of smell
  - Facial pain or headache
  - Snoring
  - Frequent nosebleeds
  - A runny nose
  - Sense of pressure over the forehead and face

Left untreated, nasal polyps may cause obstructive sleep apnea, asthma flare-ups and sinus infections.

Causes of Nasal Polyps

The exact cause of nasal polyps is currently unknown. Some evidence suggests that nasal polyps may develop in those who have different immune system responses and different chemical markers in their mucous membranes than those who don’t develop polyps. Though nasal polyps may form at any age, young adults and middle-aged adults are more likely to develop them.

Risk Factors

Individuals may be at greater risk of developing nasal polyps if they have the following underlying conditions:

- - Vitamin D deficiency
  - Cystic fibrosis
  - Aspirin sensitivity
  - Asthma
  - Allergic fungal sinusitis
  - Churg-Strauss syndrome

Individuals with a family history of nasal polyps may also be at increased risk.

How to Prevent Nasal Polyps

Individuals can reduce their risk of developing nasal polyps by taking the following steps:

- - Managing allergies and asthma
  - Avoiding nasal irritants such as allergens, chemical fumes, tobacco smoke, and dust and fine debris
  - Practicing good hygiene by regularly washing hands to protect against bacterial and viral infections that may cause inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses
  - Using a humidifier at home to help moisten the nasal passages, improve the flow of mucus from the sinuses and prevent blockages and inflammation
  - Using a saline spray or nasal wash to remove allergens and other irritants and improve mucus flow

How Nasal Polyps Are Diagnosed

During an initial visit, the physician will ask questions about symptoms, perform a general physical exam and examine the nose using a small lighted instrument. The doctor may also perform a nasal endoscopy to get a more detailed picture of the nose and sinuses. Additional imaging studies, such as a CT scan, will help the physician pinpoint the exact location of the polyps, measure their size, and evaluate the extent of inflammation. The physician may suggest an allergy test to identify which allergens are causing allergic reactions. A blood test may be ordered to check if the patient has a Vitamin D deficiency.

Treatment Options

To treat nasal polyps, the physician may prescribe the following medication: nasal corticosteroids, oral and injectable corticosteroids, dupliumab (Dupixent), antihistamines and antibiotics. If patients don’t respond well to drug treatment, the physician may recommend surgery to remove the polyps and correct the root cause of problems in the sinuses.

Nasal Polyp

Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

Causes of Nasal Polyps

Risk Factors

Subscribe To Our Newsletters

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT