Nasal Polyps

What Are They?

A nasal polyp is a benign (noncancerous) tumor that grows from the lining of the nose or sinuses. These polyps usually occur in both the right and left nasal passages and obstruct the flow of air. They can make your nose feel stuffy, and can decrease your sense of smell. Not all growths in the nose are polyps.

Nasal polyps may result from chronic (long-lasting) inflammation of the lining of the nose, although they often occur for no apparent reason. People with chronic hay fever (allergic rhinitis) are more likely than others to develop nasal polyps. In addition, nasal polyps commonly develop in children with cystic fibrosis.

People with nasal polyps and asthma often are allergic to aspirin and may experience a sudden, severe shortness of breath if they take aspirin (salicylates). If you have nasal polyps and asthma, avoid medications containing aspirin. Remember that aspirin is present in many cold and flu remedies, and also in some skin creams.

Symptoms

The key symptoms of nasal polyps are:

• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Constant draining from your nose
• Persistent stuffiness and facial discomfort
• Frequent sinus infections

Diagnosis

The doctor, most commonly an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose and throat doctor), looks for translucent, grapelike masses colored yellow to gray. He or she usually can detect polyps simply by examining your nasal passages with a special instrument called a nasal endoscope, a small, flexible tube connected to a camera. Sometimes, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be used to determine the location and size of the polyps. CT scanning also will tell if the polyps are coming from the nose or from the sinuses.

In addition to examining your nasal passages, your doctor will ask about your medical history. He or she probably will ask if you have a history of hay fever or allergic rhinitis, asthma or an allergy to aspirin.

Expected Duration

The problem can be corrected immediately by removing the polyps. There may be some soreness from the procedure, but the soreness should not last more than a few days. Once you get nasal polyps, however, they may return unless you follow the treatment prescribed.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent polyps from forming. Medication such as steroid nasal spray may shrink polyps and prevent them from coming back.

Treatment

If your nasal polyps are small, your doctor may prescribe a nasal spray containing corticosteroids, perhaps along with corticosteroid pills. This medication will shrink the polyps slowly and prevent them from returning.

Large polyps usually require surgery. The deeper the polyps extend into your nasal passages, the more aggressive the surgery will be. In most cases, the surgery is an outpatient procedure. The surgeon may use a small tube called an endoscope to do the surgery. This avoids the need to make a large incision. The surgeon will send some of the polyp tissue to a lab for closer examination. In rare cases, what appeared to be a polyp may turn out to be a cancerous growth.

When To Call A Professional

See your doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing for any reason
• Frequent sinus infections
• Pressure or pain in your face

Prognosis

Surgery to remove nasal polyps provides immediate relief, although it usually causes some pain or soreness while it heals. Once you have had nasal polyps, they often come back. You may need to continue to take medication to prevent them from returning. Occasionally, you may need to have polyps removed again.

Additional Info

American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

One Prince St.

Alexandria, VA 22314-3357

Phone: (703) 836-4444

E-Mail: info@entnet.org

http://www.entnet.org/