Symptoms and treatment of nasal polyps

Symptoms and treatment of nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that line the nasal passage. It is painless and caused to factors like allergies, infection, asthma or immune disorders.

The primary medication for nasal polyps may be topical steroids. The topical steroids may substantially reduce the enlargement and confirms to relieve the symptoms. The topical steroids are administered in the form of nasal sprays and found to be ineffective in the case of multiple polyps.

It is crucial to consult a doctor as steroids are often associated with risk factors that need to be considered before use. The common side effects of steroid sprays are visible and occur within a few days of treatment. Some of the consequential symptoms include:

  • Burning sensation
  • Nose bleeds
  • Crusting
  • Nasal irritation
  • Infection
  • Itching

Oral steroids may drastically control the growth, however, the side effects can discourage its intake. The polyps tend to recur once the steroids are discontinued and drawn and over consumption may cause health hazards.

Osteoporosis is the most prominent risk of following steroid medication for long periods. The specialist would prescribe nasal spray that contains corticosteroids that diminish the polyps. Large polyps normally resist oral treatments and the surgical procedure is recommended.

Surgery is the final plan in the treatment for nasal polyps. It is suggested when the polyps do not respond to nasal sprays, oral steroids, antibiotics, and antihistamines. The surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with the use of anesthetics. There are two preeminent kinds of surgical methods that doctors trust, contingent on the position, magnitude and number of the polyps.

Endoscopic sinus surgery – A thin long tube with a minute camera and light is inserted through the nostrils and the polyps are lacerated using diminutive tools. The sinus cavity is also examined and cleared in certain cases where the issue is connected to the polyps. During this procedure, the specialist may also increase the spacing between the sinuses and nasal tracks to ease the breathing pattern.

Conventional sinus surgery – This process is advised when the lump is malignant. It is a traditional surgical mean, and the skin is gouged for straight access to the internal nasal cavity.

Nasal polyps removal surgery is no different from any other surgical intervention and not entirely risk-free. The severity of the polyps may be deciding in its recovery and probability of post-surgery complications. A meager percentage of patients may bleed and develop sinus infections. Migraine, fever, and pain in the nasal areas need to be attended and reported to the surgeon, who may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection.

Despite instant relief from the discomforts related to extensive infections, surgery may not guarantee a permanent cure, as the tendency to regenerate the polyps is possible is particular patients could be dominant.

Restraining nasal polyps is quite fundamental and can be followed by those who wish to check its progression or inhibit its repetition post surgery.

  • Recognize the allergy stimulants and treating infections
  • Avoid nasal irritants in the air such as cigarette smoke, dust, and other impurities.
  • Frequently use hand sanitizers to prevent nasal congestion caused by viruses and bacteria.
  • Invest in air purifiers and humidifiers.
  • Use saline sprays to cleanse the blocks.