The term nasal polyp doesn’t exactly make people jump with excitement. Just hearing it can invoke images of cancerous growths and other potentially disastrous ailments. Thankfully, a nasal polyp is quite different than a malignant tumor, and it is far less harmful. Let’s explore nasal polyps by identifying them, describing what causes them, and offering some effective treatments against them.
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, bulbous growths, resembling a teardrop, that hang down from your nasal passages or sinuses. A polyp develops when the mucous membranes in the nose or sinuses become inflamed and swell over a long time. While small nasal polyps may not cause symptoms, when they are large or numerous enough, they can block the nasal passageways and sinuses, leading to asthma, recurring infection, allergies, headaches, drug sensitivity, or certain immune disorders.
Nasal polyps can affect anyone, but they are most common in adults. Medications can often shrink or eliminate them, but sometimes they require a procedure to remove them. The good news is that they are benign, meaning they do not contain cancerous cells. Therefore, they pose no potential to develop into cancer itself. This fact does not mean that they are not troublesome, painful, or able to pose other health complications, but a nasal polyp diagnosis generally does not necessitate a trip to the ER like a life-threatening condition.
Causes of Nasal Polyps
The causes are not fully known, though they are thought to be a product of many different factors. They tend to occur alongside allergies, certain genetic conditions, and asthma. Medical experts believe inflammation causes the buildup of fluid within the mucous membranes, resulting in the formation of growths over time.
How Do I Know if I Have Nasal Polyps?
While the most accurate way to know whether you have polyps would be to visit us for a diagnosis, here are some symptoms that are characteristic of nasal polyps:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Postnasal drip
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- General sinus pressure
- Headache
- Snoring
Treatments for Nasal Polyps
Treatments for Nasal PolypsThere are numerous nasal polyp treatments available that vary based upon the severity of the situation, including oral and injectable corticosteroids, saline sprays, and anti-biotics. If a medicine regimen does not eliminate them, then you may require a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure to remove the polyps and correct your sinus problems.
If this circumstance applies to you, then it’s worth knowing Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists is an established comprehensive state-of-the-art medical facility, enlisting a highly specialized faculty of medical professionals to assist in the delivery of treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient, including those dealing with nasal polyps.
Have a Professional Check Your Nasal Polyps
Are you experiencing symptoms related to the presence of nasal polyps? Dr. Mandel and his team of experienced specialists can identify, diagnose, and treat them so that you can lead a better quality of life. Whether you are seeking a second opinion or have undergone past unsuccessful treatments, we can help. Breathe easy, because we are here to make your life more comfortable. Call Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists at 954-983-1211 to request an appointment today.
