Nasal Polyps

Polyps are swellings of the nasal and sinus mucous membrane that occur in response to longstanding inflammation and can be responsible for many symptoms of sinusitis. Polyp formation is sometimes related to allergies.

Symptoms

Common symptoms in patients with nasal and sinus polyps include:

• Nasal obstruction
• Decreased sense of smell
• Repeated sinus infections
• Facial pressure
• A lot of drainage from the nose

It is common to feel as if you have a constant cold or sinus infection. Voice quality is also often affected due to blockage of the nose and sinuses.

Occasionally, patients have polyps, asthma, and aspirin sensitivity together, a situation known as Samter’s triad or aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

Diagnosis and treatment

The presence of polyps can be easily confirmed by an endoscopic examination, which utilizes a small telescope that is placed inside of the nostril to examine the nose and sinuses. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the sinuses may help to show the exact location of polyps within these cavities and the extent of involvement.

Initial treatment of polyps typically includes anti-inflammatory medical treatments to shrink the polyps. In many cases, this treatment alone can be effective. In severe cases, sinus surgery may be necessary to remove the polyps.

One benefit of surgery is removing irreversibly diseased tissue and creating space for delivery of medications. Following surgery, it is important to continue taking medication, in some cases on a long-term basis, in order to prevent polyps from returning.

The nose and sinus cavities should be regularly monitored. If early swellings in the mucous membrane are found, they may be treated before they cause symptoms or require another surgery.