Nasal Polyps

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous inflammatory tissue growths that form inside the nose usually as a result of allergies, sinusitis, or aspirin sensitivity. They can occur at any point in one’s life but generally require a trigger like allergies or a sinus infection to really become problematic. If the nasal polyps become large enough a person might experience uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Severe nasal congestion
• Postnasal drip
• Nosebleeds
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Loss of smell and/or taste
• Facial pain or pressure
• Wheezing or coughing

Nasal Polyps Treatment

If nasal polyp symptoms are present it is always essential to consult a Rhinologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. In some cases, oral steroids may be necessary to treat the problem especially if this has not already been done. A CT scan (x-ray) of your sinuses and nasal endoscopy (looking inside the nose with a small camera) may be necessary to better assess the problem if it persists despite aggressive oral steroid treatment.

Oral steroids often provide a temporary reduction in the size of nasal polyps but they will grow back if not surgically removed. Nasal polyps often occur in conjunction with sinus infections and allergies. If the nasal polyps are resistant to oral steroid treatment, then a procedure may be required to remove the polyps. There are multiple different procedure options but most require nasal polyp removal in conjunction with endoscopic sinus surgery. Just removing the polyps without opening the sinuses will always result in quick polyp regrowth.

The most important aspect of nasal polyp treatment is complete polyp removal and creation of widely patent sinus openings. We then use the revolutionary technology of Propel steroid releasing implants that produce steroid locally inside the nose to prevent polyp recurrence, and keep you off of excessive oral steroids.