Everything to know about nasal polyps
A condition that is common in adults but just as likely in children, nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that develop in the inner lining of the nasal passage. Hanging from the inside of the nose or sinuses, these polyps can grow to a substantial size and potentially even block the nasal passage.
The condition is mostly painless and does not cause much harm unless the polyps are allowed to grow to a considerable size. They can affect both the right and left sides of the nasal passage and can return even after the surgery or medication period is over.
What are its causes?
Although in most cases they occur without reason, chronic inflammation of the inner nasal tissues can lead to the formation of nasal polyps. They grow in the inflated tissue of the mucosa, which is a membrane that keeps the nasal cavity moist and prevents it from drying out due to the constant airflow.
Individuals suffering from chronic hay fever or similar infections are more likely to develop this condition, as the mucosa becomes swollen and with time, can easily shape into a polyp.
Likewise, individuals suffering from asthma or frequent sinus infections are vulnerable to polyps. Meanwhile, children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a hereditary disease affecting the lungs and digestive system, can also develop these tumors. In addition to this, certain genes, especially the ones responsible for monitoring the immune system and inflammatory response, are known causes of nasal polyps.
What are its symptoms?
These non-cancerous tumors are so small and painless that they can go unnoticed for years. However, with time, multiple polyps or just a single large growth can cause breathing problems as well as other difficulties. Therefore, addressing it at its initial stages is absolutely vital and can go a long way in preventing a potentially fatal situation.
Among the common symptoms of this condition are the following:
- Blocked nose
- Runny nose
- Facial pain
- Sneezing
- Loss of taste — this can persist even after the polyps are treated
- Trouble with sense of smell
- Breathing through the mouth
- Frequent sinus infections
- Nosebleeds
- Snoring
- Double vision
How are nasal polyps diagnosed?
After learning the symptoms, one of the first things a doctor, most likely an otolaryngologist, will ask for is the patient’s medical history. Examining it would help them understand whether the individual has previously suffered from chronic hay fever, asthma, or a similar condition.
The next step would be to address the condition. Using a nasoscope, a lighted instrument used to examine the inside of the nose, the doctor will be able to visualize the polyps. Should the tumor be even deeper inside the nasal passage, a nasal endoscopy will be recommended. In this diagnostic procedure, the doctor uses a thin tube with a camera to learn not just about the polyps’ location but also gauge its size. At times, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be necessary to better understand the polyps’ location and dimensions. CT scans or MRI scans are considered more advanced, given that they’re capable of even revealing whether the polyp disfigured a bone or if similar growths have taken birth.
How are they treated?
There are a couple of ways to go about treating nasal polyps.
- Nasal sprays, steroids, and tablets
For small growths, the doctor may prescribe a nasal spray containing corticosteroids. These would aid in the reduction of the polyps’ size and prevent them from returning. However, side effects like headaches and nosebleeds could make the treatment procedure slightly troublesome.
In the case of larger polyps, steroid tablets would be advised in conjunction with or without the nasal spray. These also come with a number of side effects, which the patient is duly warned about.
- Surgery
If the polyps are extremely large in size, surgery might be the only option. Mostly, the surgery is an outpatient procedure. A small tube called an endoscope is used to perform it, where the surgeon inserts a tube inside the nostrils and using the camera fixed on it, understands the exact location of the polyps and removes them. Polypectomy is a similar procedure, where instead of a slim tube, a small suction device is used. Following the completion of either form of surgery, nasal sprays are used to prevent the tumor from returning. Unfortunately, treatment via surgery is not without side-effects and can result in nosebleeds and infection.
What are some natural remedies for nasal polyps?
Like most ailments, nasal polyps can also be cured, to an extent, through natural remedies in tandem with on-going medication. Research has shown that tea tree oil can be helpful in reducing the itching, inflammation, and infection that are symptoms of this condition. A fluid mixture containing tea tree oil, along with water and some carrier oils, can be used and inserted in the nasal passage for relief.
Turmeric is also well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. While it may reduce irritation and inflammation, the spice isn’t capable of completely getting rid of the tumor.
How to prevent nasal polyps?
The best way to steer clear of these nasal tumors is to try and prevent their formation altogether. There are numerous ways in which to do this, such as the following.
- Increase humidity levels: The air around you greatly affects the moisture content inside the nose. Should the conditions at your place be too dry, use a humidifier. This would not just improve the flow of mucus in your sinuses, but also help prevent blockage in the nasal passage.
- Steer clear of irritants: Avoid inhaling pollutants and irritants like chemicals in the air as much as possible. This would go a long way in preventing the mucosa from swelling.
- Practice good hygiene: Something as basic as washing your hands regularly can protect you against bacterial and viral infections. This would, in turn, result in fewer cases of inflammation in the nasal passage.
- Keep a lid on asthma and allergies: Individuals suffering from similar problems must exercise even more caution to prevent the formation of polyps. They can do so by keeping the diseases in check and making sure to take proper medication for it as required, so as to not aggravate the conditions. It is important to keep the doctor in the loop about the possibilities of your case worsening due to some other disease.
