Nasal Polyps

If your nose is dripping constantly or you are not able to smell or breathe, then you might be suffering from nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are sac-like, small, fleshy growths that develop from the mucous membranes of nose or sinuses. These growths are usually noncancerous/benign. They may vary in sizes and colors such pink, yellowish or grey. There may a single polyp or several polyps grown like a small bunch of grapes. Nasal polyps are caused by chronic inflammation of mucous membrane of nose. They may extend up to the openings of nostrils or down to the throat area and may block nasal passages. Smaller polyps are not much harmful; but larger polyps can affect the sense of smell and hamper your breathing. In some rare cases, huge nasal polyps can change the shape of your nose and face.

Types of Nasal Polyps

There are two types of nasal polyps-ethmoidal polyps and antrochoanal polyps. Ethmoidal polyps are bilateral, multiple and may arise from ethmoid sinuses. Antrochoanal polyps are single, unilateral and may originate from maxillary sinuses.

Causes of Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps mainly result from chronic inflammation of mucous membrane, which is caused by bacterial or viral infections or allergies. In most cases, nasal polyps are caused by sinus infections. Chronic inflammation makes the blood vessels in the lining of nose and sinuses more permeable, allowing accumulation of water in the cells. These waterlogged tissues may develop to form polyps. People with asthma, cystic fibrosis, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), chronic sinus infections, primary ciliary dyskinesia and common variable immunodeficiency diseases (CVID) are more susceptible to polyps. Approximately one in four people with cystic fibrosis suffer from nasal polyps.

Although nasal polyps can occur in anyone, people older than 40 years are more likely to develop nasal polyp. Multiple polyps can be found in children with allergic rhinitis, allergic fungal sinusitis or cystic fibrosis. About 30% of cases of nasal polyps result from certain environmental allergies. People with nasal polyps should avoid aspirin, as it can cause severe shortness of breath. People with Churg-Strauss syndrome are also at a higher risk of developing nasal polyps. In this disease, there is an inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), leading to formation of polyps.

Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

If nasal polyps grow larger or grow in clusters, they can interfere with breathing. They can also block airflow to the sensitive areas in the nose and decrease the sense of smell. Nasal obstruction due to polyps can cause hyposmia or anosmia. Obstruction of sinus ostia can lead to acute or chronic sinus infections. Nasal polyps can exert pressure on nasal or facial bones, leading to destruction of bones. A feeling of blockage in the nose is one of the main symptoms of nasal polyps. It may be difficult for you to breathe through nose. You may start mouth breathing. This is quite troublesome at night and may affect your sleep, causing sleep apnea. Some other symptoms of nasal polyps are runny nose, persistent stuffiness, diminished sense of smell, snoring, headaches and congested sound.

Diagnosis of Nasal Polyps

Diagnosis of nasal polyps is done with the help of medical history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as CT scan can help to determine the location and size of polyps. In case of multiple polyps, diagnostic tests for cystic fibrosis such as noninvasive sweat test are recommended by the doctor. Allergy skin testing is also recommended in case of nasal polyps with hay fever.

Treatment for Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps can be treated using different medications including antibiotics or steroids such as triamcinolone, mometasone, fluticasone and budesonide. These medications can help to reduce inflammation, improve nasal airflow and shrink polyps. Some other medications such as oral corticosteroids, medications to control allergies such as antihistamine and antifungal medications are also prescribed in order to control allergies and infections. When these medications are not much helpful, a surgery for removing the polyps is recommended by the doctor. There are various surgical options for polyp removal such as polypectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery. The type of surgery is decided depending upon the number, size and location of the polyps.

In order to avoid nasal polyps, you need to prevent allergies and infections by taking adequate precautions. You should take an appropriate treatment, if you have hay fever, asthma or chronic sinus infections.