What is Nasal Polyps?
A polyp is a benign mass arising from the nose and sinuses.
How does Nasal Polyps occur?
Polyps usually occur due to inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses.
Nasal polyps can be considered as part of the spectrum of chronic rhinosinusitis.
They must be distinguished from more serious pathology such as nasal tumours.
What are the causes of Nasal Polyps?
In association with:
- Chronic Rhinosinusitis
- Asthma
- Aspirin sensitivity
- Cystic fibrosis
- Allergic fungal sinusitis
- Churg-Strauss syndrome
What are the symptoms?
- Increased nasal obstruction or stuffiness
- Mouth breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Loud Snoring
- Persistent pain over one or more sinus cavities and/or a headache.
- Decreased sense of smell
- Facial pain
- Ear fullness or pain
What are the types of Nasal Polyps?
How do we diagnose Nasal Polyps?
- Detailed Clinical examination of the Ear, Nose and Throat
- Routine Blood Tests
- Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy
- CT Scan and other imaging
How do we treat Nasal Polyps?
Treatment varies according to the patient’s situation and is usually provided after a consultation and thorough clinical evaluation.
- Antibiotics: to deal with the infection
- Steroid Nasal sprays
- Oral short-course Steroids
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Anti-allergic medication
What is Functional endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS?
Functional Endoscopic sinus surgery is the name given to operations used to treat nasal polyps. In the past sinus operations were done through incisions (cuts) in the face and mouth. However, sinus surgery with an endoscope, allows the operation to be performed without the need for these cuts.
When will I need surgery to treat Nasal Polyps?
The appropriate answer to this question depends on an individual’s thorough Clinical Analysis and consultation.
We usually consider surgery in cases of nasal polyposis, where initial medical treatment has failed to improve your situation. However, in some cases surgery may be the first line of treatment.
What does the operation involve?
Each operation is individual, depending on the cause of the disease and which sinuses are involved.
The operation is done through your nose with endoscopes. Nasal polyps are removed using custom-made instruments, with no cuts or scars on the face.
Detailed information regarding the procedure and post-procedure care will be given after consultation.
