In the US, an estimated 4% of people deal with nasal polyps. That’s almost 14 million people.
Nasal polyps aren’t really a big issue for many. They don’t have many symptoms and stay small and out of the way. But for some people, nasal polyps bring about a wide range of issues which range from a runny nose to severe sleep disorders.
So when do nasal polyps become a concern? And when that does happen, what can be done?
Nasal Polyps – What Exactly Are They?
Tiny growths inside of your nose, nasal polyps are noncancerous, soft lumps that form through the lining of your sinuses and nasal passages. Inflammation, generally as a result of a sinus infection, is usually the cause of these growths. But frequently, they can grow on their own and become semi-permanent features in your nose.
Small nasal polyps are typically no more than a slight nuisance especially when they are few in number. But when polyps grow in mass and quantity, they can cause a variety of issues to appear. Some of the most common symptoms of nasal polyps include:
- Weak sense of smell and taste
- Snoring, sometimes leading to sleep apnea
- Regular nose bleeds
- Pressure in your face, nose or forehead
- Postnasal drip
- Persistent runny and stuffy nose
- Pain in the upper teeth
Many people will get help for their nasal polyps when they become a significant disturbance to their quality of life.
How Nasal Polyps Are Treated
Typically, surgery is the first thing people think about when considering treatment for nasal polyps. But surgery, while effective, is not commonly the first approach in treating nasal polyps. Those with nasal polyps will frequently try one of these solutions 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 corticosteroids may help minimize any swelling that is making the polyps bigger than they should be.
Other medications: If your doctor believes that your nasal polyps may be caused by an underlying condition, like a sinus infection, you may be given other medications. The most common treatment for sinus infections is prescription antibiotics. If your sinus infection goes away, but your polyps remain, further treatments might be necessary.
Nasal Polyps Surgery
In recent times, surgery for nasal polyps has developed something of a distressing reputation. In years past, patients had to undergo a painful surgery called “nasal packing,” where gauze was applied to those places where surgery occurred.
Today, however, this type of painful procedure is an antiquated technique replaced by innovative bandaging materials, cutting edge technology, and minimally invasive surgery. Nasal polyps are normally extracted as an outpatient procedure and patients go home shortly after.
You’ll want to plan on relaxing for a couple of weeks after your procedure. The exact nature of the procedure will determine precisely how long the recovery period will need to be.
You Don’t Need to Live With Nasal Polyps That Become an Issue
Frequently, nasal polyps are only a minor aggravation. At times, they begin small and only flare up when you have a cold or sinus infection. But nasal polyps can be really uncomfortable when they do become a problem. You can take action to resolve the problem and that’s important to keep in mind.
Treatment options are obtainable for those who want to get rid of or diminish their nasal polyps. Once treatment is finished, you’ll breathe easier, sleep sounder, and may 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.