Nasal polyps are not life-threatening, but they can make your life more difficult. These small, non-cancerous growths grow in the lining of your nasal passages, causing a range of symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with nasal polyps or suspect that you may have them, here are some tips for managing your symptoms
What Causes Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps grow in the nose and sinuses for a variety of reasons. People with allergies and asthma develop them more easily as do individuals with cystic fibrosis and chronic sinus infections.
Additionally, there seems to be a hereditary tendency toward nasal polyps. If close family members have them, you are more likely to develop them as well.
Finally, age may also play a factor in whether or not you will develop nasal polyps. For example, they are more commonly found in young and middle-aged adults but occur less frequently in older adults.
What Are the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?
Most of the time, nasal polyps do not cause any noticeable symptoms whatsoever. However, if they do, you may experience:
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- A runny nose or postnasal drip
- Frequent sneezing
- Decreased sense of smell or taste
- Facial pain or pressure
- Headaches
- Snoring
- Fatigue
How to Manage Nasal Polyp Symptoms
Nasal polyp symptoms can impact your overall health and function. Thankfully, there are ways to manage the symptoms and limit their growth.
Your ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor may first recommend a conservative, non-invasive treatment for your nasal polyp symptoms. Other treatments may involve surgery to remove these benign growths. Whatever the case, ongoing management of polyps relieves their symptoms, allowing you to breathe well and feel your best.
Here are some steps you may want to take to keep nasal polyps under control:
Consult an ENT Specialist
The first step in managing nasal polyps is to consult with an ENT specialist, such as Dr. Scott William Franklin. Through reviewing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and inspecting your sinuses and nasal passages, your ENT doctor will diagnose your condition and provide treatment options as discussed below. Your care plan will be individualized to you, your symptoms, your overall health, and other considerations.
Get Allergy Testing
Your otolaryngologist may recommend you undergo testing for allergies. Identifying potential allergic triggers, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, will help you avoid contact with them. You can also reduce your symptoms with allergy medications or shots (immunotherapy) which are customized to your specific triggers.
Use Nasal Sprays or Oral Medications
Commonly, ENT specialists prescribe corticosteroids in the form of sprays or pills. These help reduce harmful irritation and inflammation in the nose and sinuses, reducing the occurrence of polyps and the size of existing ones.
Saline sprays also reduce inflammation by moisturizing the nasal and sinus passages. Antihistamines can relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. These medications are best for providing quick, short-term relief for your symptoms.
Use Nasal Irrigation and Humidification
Nasal irrigation involves flushing out the sinuses with a saline solution to help remove mucus, bacteria, and allergens which contribute to nasal polyp growth. Nasal irrigation kits can be purchased at most drugstores and are easy to use.
You may also consider using a bedroom humidifier. Seasonal use of forced air heat and air conditioning dries room air. Adding moisture to your immediate environment—particularly as you sleep—can help keep nasal passages moisturized, less irritated, and less prone to developing polyps.
Consider Sinus Surgery
If your nasal polyps are severe or recurring despite other treatments, your otolaryngologist may recommend sinus surgery. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, or FESS, involves removing polyps in order to improve drainage and prevent future growth.
During the surgery, your ENT doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the nasal passages and insert a thin lighted scope to visualize and remove the polyps.
Sinus surgery is typically an outpatient procedure and features a quick recovery time.
Nasal Polyps Treatment in the Austin, TX Area
At Georgetown ENT, our otolaryngologist and allergy specialist is Dr. Scott William Franklin. He and his team see and treat patients who want relief from the symptoms of nasal polyps.
If you would like to know more about this common nasal condition, call us for a helpful consultation with Dr. Franklin at (512) 869-0604 or request your visit here. We look forward to helping you breathe well and feel better. Call today!
