Nasal polyps are small, inflammatory growths that develop in the nasal passages or sinuses. Polyps can vary in size and severity. Uncontrolled polyp growth can damage the sinuses, take away your sense of smell, damage your eyes and vision and even affect the shape of your face. Polyps are a frequent cause of asthma in adults and children.
People with nasal polyps should have an ENT physician examine them to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are abnormal tissue growths arising from the mucous membranes within the nose. Their symptoms include nasal block, sinusitis, a loss of smell and a secondary infection leading to a headache. Their cause is uncertain, but they seem to be related to allergies, cystic fibrosis and non-allergic adult asthma. Although usually not painful, any nasal polyp that bleeds or causes pain must be investigated by a doctor to determine if there is a more serious medical issue present.
How are Nasal Polyps treated?
Nasal Polyps can be treated by doctor-prescribed steroids or topical medications. They can also be removed by surgery; although the recovery time is 1–3 weeks and polyps may return later.
Nasopharyngoscopy
Nasopharyngoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows your doctor to view the back of your nose, throat and larynx using a flexible scope inserted through the nostril. It is a useful tool for evaluating the cause of nasal airway obstructions and provides a close-up view of abnormal growths such as nasal polyps and tumors.
Nasal Endoscopy
Nasal endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that allows your doctor to examine in detail the nasal passages, sinuses cavities and airway via a thin tube passed through the nostril. It is used to check for swelling and drainage, evaluate masses and polyps and look for complications from recent surgical procedures.
Nasal Papilloma Removal
A nasal papilloma is a benign (noncancerous) lesion of the nasal cavity, such as a nasal polyp. It can lead to obstruction of the cavity, resulting in breathing difficulties, discharge, loss of smell and taste, facial pain, sleep apnea and other conditions, making removal desirous. When oral or nasal steroids do not help, endoscopic surgery will be used to remove the papilloma.
Call Camino Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at (408) 227-6300 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
