What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous, and painless growths that are found within the nasal cavity. Most frequently, they happen in people with sinusitis, frequent infection, or inflammation in the nasal passages.
What are the causes?
The actual cause of nasal polyps is unknown. However, they are usually linked with some causes of inflammation in the nose. Some triggers could include:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Chronic sinusitis
What are the signs and symptoms?
Nasal polyps causes the obstruction of the nasal cavities. Some symptoms can include:
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Nasal dripping (runny nose)
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Snoring
What are the complications to look out for?
Due to the chronic inflammation and swelling of the nasal cavity, nasal polyps can cause complications such as:
Frequent asthma attacks
Nasal polyps can trigger asthma attacks more easily due to the infection that occurs within the nasal passage.
Sleep Apnoea
Nasal polyps can completely block the nasal passage, resulting in irregular breathing during sleep.
Sinus infection
Infection or inflammation in the nasal cavity can lead to sinus infection.
How is nasal polyps diagnosed?
Your specialist may ask you about your symptoms and medical history such as asthma or allergies and infections. Other examinations and tests may be done to rule out any other possibilities.
Naso-endoscopy examination
Your specialist will put a scope through your nasal cavity or via your throat to check for any growth of nasal polyps.
Imaging studies
Your specialist may request to do a computerised tomography (CT) scan to identify the size and location of the polyps within the deeper regions of your nasal cavities.
What are the treatments to remove nasal polyps?
Treatment usually start with drugs that can help reduce the size of the polyps without using invasive procedure.
Medication:
Nasal corticosteroids
One of the most common treatment of nasal polyps is the use of steroid medication. This treatment helps to shrink or eliminate polyps completely.
Oral and injectable corticosteroids
If nasal corticosteroids are not effective, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed. However, oral corticosteroids can result in serious side effects, hence it should only be used for a limited time.
Surgery:
Despite medication, nasal polyps may not be removed. Hence, specialists may suggest surgery to remove the polyps.
Book an appointment and consult our specialists to find out the most appropriate treatment for you.
How can I alleviate symptoms of nasal polyps at home?
Do not attempt to remove nasal polyps at home. Improper removal of nasal polyps can result in bleeding and infection of the nasal cavity. Instead, one can turn to home remedies to alleviate the symptoms of nasal polyps.
Steam inhalation
Inhaling warm and humid air helps to relieve symptoms that are associated with nasal polyps. For instance, taking a hot shower or using a humidifier.
Nasal rinse
Washing nasal cavities with sterile saline solution can moisten the nasal passage and prevent inflammation.
Avoid nasal irritant
Environment factors as such dust, debris, smoking, and common allergens can cause irritation and inflammation in the nasal passage, leading to nasal polyps.
Make An Appointment
Make an appointment or contact the ENT clinic to consult an ENT Specialist about your condition. To make an appointment, select "Specialist Appointment". Under Specialist Appointment Details, select "Ear, Nose & Throat".
Make an enquiry. We will get back to you within 3 working days. You can reach us at 6311 1229.