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What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are benign growths that form in the nose and sinus passages. They are soft, painless, sac-like swellings. 1-4% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with nasal polyps each year. They are rare in children.
Common symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion or blockage
- Runny nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Loss of smell
- Facial pressure or fullness
Why Do Nasal Polyps Happen?
The exact cause of nasal polyps is not fully understood, however chronic inflammation appears to play a key role. People with nasal polyps often have other conditions such as chronic sinusitis, allergies, asthma and aspirin sensitivity.
How Are Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?
Nasal polyps are diagnosed based on your medical history, a physical exam, and often a sinus CT scan. Common symptoms such as ongoing nasal congestion and a reduced sense of smell may suggest the presence of nasal polyps.
To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may perform a nasal endoscopy. This is a simple procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to look inside your nose and sinuses.
A CT scan may also be recommended. This provides detailed pictures of your sinus anatomy and helps your doctor see how extensive the sinus disease is.
Treating Nasal Polyps
Treatment typically involves a combination of medications aimed at reducing inflammation and polyp size, relieving symptoms, and improving quality of life.
- Nasal Steroid Sprays, Saline Rinses
- Topical nasal steroid sprays are the first-line treatment. They help shrink nasal polyps, relieve symptoms, and are considered safe for long-term use.
- Nasal saline rinses help clear mucus and allergens from the nasal passages, making steroid sprays more effective.
- Oral Steroids
- Topical nasal steroid sprays are the first-line treatment. They help shrink nasal polyps, relieve symptoms, and are considered safe for long-term use.
- Sinus Surgery
- If symptoms persist despite medical treatment, sinus surgery may be recommended to remove nasal polyps and open blocked sinuses.
- Polyps may return after surgery, so other medications may be used in conjunction with surgery to prevent them from growing back.
Other Steroid Delivery Options
- Nasal steroid rinses can deliver medication deeper into the sinuses.
- XHANCE uses an exhalation delivery system that helps fluticasone reach further into the nasal cavity.
Other Medications
- Montelukast, a leukotriene inhibitor may help in some patients, especially those with asthma or allergies.
Biologic Therapies are injections given every 2-3 weeks reduce the need for surgery or oral steroids
- Dupilumab
- Mepolizumab
- Omalizumab
An Allergist and an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist frequently co-manage nasal polyps. A team approach ensures the best outcomes, especially for patients with coexisting conditions such as asthma or allergies. If you’re experiencing symptoms, book your appointment online now for one of our offices in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield or Norwalk.