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Everyone knows the feeling of having a blocked nose during a cold and how annoying it can be. For some, this is a regular issue because of nasal polyps. These soft, painless growths develop inside your nasal passages and sinuses in a short time. They can gradually cause discomfort or a persistent feeling of stuffiness, leaving you wondering why you always seem to have a cold. This blog helps you understand all about nasal polyps, including symptoms and nasal polyps treatment.
Synopsis
What are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that form in your nasal passages or sinuses. They often develop slowly and may not cause any pain at first. It is precisely why many people don’t know they have them until breathing becomes difficult after they grow larger in size.
Usually, these growths appear due to chronic inflammation in the nasal lining. Conditions like long-term sinus infections, allergies, or asthma can trigger this inflammation and create an environment where polyps can form and grow. Polyp sizes vary from person to person. They can be very tiny and the person won’t notice, or in some cases, they even grow large enough to make breathing difficult.
Common signs and nasal polyps symptoms include:
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Nasal blockage or experiencing stuffiness regularly.
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Reduced sense of smell or taste.
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Persistent runny nose or postnasal drip.
Causes of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps usually develop when your nasal passages or sinuses stay inflamed for a long time. This is because chronic irritation supports these soft growths. What’s important to remember is that nasal polyps symptoms often overlap with many other conditions that affect the nasal cavity. So it’s easy to mistake them for regular sinus problems. Understanding these causes can help you and your doctor plan the right nasal polyps treatment.
There are several more factors that can contribute:
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Chronic sinus inflammation: Ongoing sinus infections can keep your nasal lining irritated, encouraging polyp formation.
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Allergies: Reactions to dust, pollen, or pet dander can lead to persistent inflammation.
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Asthma: People with asthma are more likely to develop polyps due to airway inflammation.
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Aspirin sensitivity: Some individuals react to aspirin or NSAIDs, which can trigger nasal growths.
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Cystic fibrosis: This genetic condition causes thick mucus buildup, increasing the risk of polyps.
Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps start to appear in a subtle manner, and many people don’t notice them until they start affecting daily life. You will notice a change in your sense of smell and breathing, as it affects you gradually.
Common nasal polyps symptoms include:
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Blockage or nasal congestion that regular cold remedies cannot heal.
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Always having a runny nose or postnasal drip.
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Loss of smell and decreased taste, and food might feel less enjoyable.
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Feeling pressure on the face or headaches that occur around the forehead or cheeks.
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Snoring or disturbed sleep due to blocked nasal passages.
Treatments for Nasal Polyps
For nasal polyps, medicines are given to reduce inflammation and shrink the growths. It is mainly to relieve symptoms like nasal blockage and make it easy to breathe.
Common treatment options include:
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Nasal corticosteroid sprays: These are usually the first step. They help reduce inflammation and can shrink polyps over time. Consistent use as prescribed is necessary for long-term recovery.
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Oral corticosteroids: For more severe cases, a short course of oral steroids may be recommended. They work faster but are used carefully due to potential side effects.
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Biologic therapies: Medications are given as newer options for people with chronic polyps that don’t respond to traditional treatments.
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Saline nasal irrigation: Gently rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution can help clear mucus, allergens, and irritants, offering daily relief.
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Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection accompanies the polyps, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear it.
Surgical Options for Polyps Treatment
When medications aren’t enough, nasal polyp surgery is suggested. Surgery is usually recommended if polyps are large and cause significant nasal blockage. You also have to understand that surgery is not permanent. Polyps can regrow, hence treatment should be continued.
Common surgical procedures include:
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Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): This minimally invasive technique involves a surgeon opening the sinuses and removing polyps using tiny instruments that are inserted through the nose. It aids in reestablishing proper drainage and airflow.
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Polypectomy: This involves removing polyps with specialised tools. It is performed through the nasal passages without external incisions.
Home Remedies and Relief Measures
These simple, nasal polyps treatment home remedies can help ease nasal blockage and provide extra comfort:
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Steam inhalation: Breathing in warm steam can help moisten nasal passages, loosen mucus, and reduce discomfort. Doing this a few times a day can feel surprisingly soothing.
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Saline nasal rinses: Using a saline solution to rinse your nostrils can clear allergens, dust, and irritants that worsen inflammation.
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Avoid irritants: Smoke, strong odours, and excessive dust can aggravate polyps. Minimising exposure helps reduce inflammation.
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Humidifier use: Adding moisture to your home environment can prevent dryness that makes nasal passages more sensitive.
Conclusion
Nasal polyps are a frustrating problem when they become big and obstruct your sleep or cause embarrassment because of constant stuffiness. With simple measures, they can be prevented, and with surgery, you can get rid of a bigger problem.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent nasal discomfort or suspect you have nasal polyps, don’t wait. Visit Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, where our expert ENT specialists provide personalised care and advanced nasal polyps treatment to help you breathe easier and feel better.
FAQ's
Nasal polyp symptoms may consist of continued nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, low smell or taste, facial pressure, and snoring. Polyps set in slowly, so early awareness of slight changes in breathing or smell would be beneficial to timely treatment.
When medications have failed to provide relief from nasal blockage caused by nasal polyps, surgery is considered. Procedures like endoscopic sinus surgery or removal of these growths on the nasal polyps help restore normal airflow.
A complete cure of nasal polyps forever is difficult, as they tend to reappear. Treatments medically, plus lifestyle alterations and sometimes surgery, allow the best long-term outcomes. Regular follow-ups with the ENT specialist are needed for comfort maintenance.
Some home remedies for nasal polyps, such as breathing in steam, washing your nose with saline, running a humidifier, and avoiding triggers that worsen your nasal symptoms, can help alleviate nasal blockage. They can't get rid of the polyps, but they can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Yes, nasal polyps can return even after surgery or treatment with medicine. To lower the risk of regrowth, it's important to keep using the nasal sprays that were prescribed, go for regular checkups, and take care of any underlying conditions like asthma or allergies.
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