By some estimates, nasal polyps impact about 4% of individuals living in the US. That’s just about 14 million people.
Nasal polyps aren’t really a big issue for many. They stay small, hidden, and don’t cause very many symptoms. But for some individuals, nasal polyps trigger a wide range of issues which range from a runny nose to extreme sleep disorders.
So when do nasal polyps become a concern? And when that does takes place, what should be done?
Nasal Polyps – What Exactly Are They?
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous, lumps that develop inside of your sinus and nasal passages. Sometimes these bumps are a result of inflammation, usually caused by something such as a sinus infection. But it’s not unusual for these growths to develop by themselves and become permanent.
Little nasal polyps are ordinarily no more than a slight nuisance especially when there are only a few. But a variety of problems can develop when polyps increase and grow too large. Here are some of the most common symptoms of nasal polyps:
- A sense of pain in the upper teeth
- Pressure in your forehead, nose, or face
- Postnasal drip
- Snoring, sometimes producing sleep apnea
- Regular nose bleeds
- Persistent stuffy and runny nose
- Dull sense of smell and taste
Over time, these symptoms can result in a significant disruption to your quality of life, so many people with nasal polyps will get treatment.
How to Treat Nasal Polyps
When people think of treatment for nasal polyps, they usually first imagine surgery. But surgery, while practical, isn’t commonly the first step in treating nasal polyps. These solutions will frequently come first:
Corticosteroids: Whether they’re injected, inhaled through the nose, or taken in pill form, corticosteroids are among the most common treatments to try to reduce the size of nasal polyps. The idea behind these treatments is to try to decrease any swelling that may be making the polyps bigger than they should be.
Other medications: If your doctor feels that your nasal polyps could be due to an underlying condition, like a sinus infection, you may be given other medications. Prescription antibiotics are probably the most extensively used treatment for a sinus infection. If your sinus infection fades, but your polyps remain, additional treatments may be needed.
Nasal Polyps Surgery
In recent times, surgery for nasal polyps has developed somewhat of an unpleasant reputation. “Nasal Packing” is a kind of surgery that was practiced years ago where gauze was packed into the locations that the polyps were extracted from and was known to be rather Painful.
Nowadays, however, minimally invasive surgical techniques along with novel bandaging materials and devices mean that painful nasal packing is a thing of the past. Typically, nasal polyp surgery is carried out on an outpatient basis, so most patients go back home shortly after the surgery is completed.
You’ll want to plan on resting for a couple of weeks after your procedure. The exact length of your recovery period will vary depending on the precise nature of your surgery.
It’s Not Necessary to Simply Deal With Out-of-Control Nasal Polyps
Often, nasal polyps are only a small inconvenience. At times, they begin small and only flare up when you have a sinus infection or cold. But nasal polyps can be quite uncomfortable when they do become an issue. It’s important to remember that you don’t need to simply live with that discomfort.
For individuals who are ready to reduce or get rid of their nasal polyps, treatment is obtainable. Once treatment is complete, you’ll breathe easier, sleep sounder, and might even find yourself experiencing fewer headaches or nosebleeds.
Put another way, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying life again, without sniffling your way through it.