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Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Nasal Polyps

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Nasal Polyps

About 1-4% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with nasal polyps each year. It is far less frequent in children. The most common symptoms are nasal congestion or blockage, runny nose, post-nasal drip, loss of smell, loss of taste, or always feeling like you have a “head cold”.

What Are Polyps?

Nasal polyps are benign growths in the sinus and nasal cavities. They are soft, sac-like swellings that are not cancer, and rarely cause problems outside the nose or sinuses. Although there are many competing theories, no one knows exactly why polyps occur. The most agreed upon belief amongst specialists is that polyps are the result of a chronic inflammatory state within the lining of the sinonasal cavity. People with polyps often have conditions such as chronic sinusitis, allergies, asthma and aspirin sensitivity.

Diagnosing Polyps

An Ear, Nose and Throat specialist can properly diagnose if you have polyps. An in-office examination will include a history and physical examination placing a lighted endoscope into your nose. This is a small, 4mm wide tube with a camera at the end. This allows your doctor to thoroughly examine the lining of the nose and entrances in to the sinus cavities. You may also get a CT scan to provide additional detail about your sinuses.

Treating Polyps

When treating your polyps, the first aim is to reduce inflammation. The best method to do so is through steroids. Steroids are either given with a pill, or with a nasal spray. Oral steroids are great for initially improving symptoms, but are only used for a short course as they can lead to serious side effects with prolonged use. Intranasal steroids (such as the brand name “Flonase”) are better for longer-term therapy as they are safe for daily use. Studies have shown steroids will reduce the size of the polyps and improve nasal airflow.

Depending on the size of your polyps, the severity of your symptoms, and any affiliated sinus disease, your ENT physician will determine if you need surgery to remove them. This is a one-day procedure without hospital admission.

Proper treatment of nasal polyps is important because it can significantly improve the quality of your life. Come see one of our ENT specialists for a consultation if you think you are suffering from this disease. We treat nasal polyps as well as a variety of other ear, nose and throat problems including silent reflux, ear infections, tonsil and adenoids, sleep apnea, and deviated septum. Our Fairfield County, CT offices are located in Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk, Ridgefield and Southbury.


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Multi-Specialty Private Practice with six locations in Fairfield County, CT