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How to Treat Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are benign inflammatory lesions that are caused by mucosa of the nasal cavity or one or more of the nasal sinuses, such as the middle meatus and ethmoid regions. 

Nasal polyps present themselves as semi-translucent, pale grey growths in the nasal cavity. Though they may be caused by allergies, inflammation, or infection, nasal polyps occur more often in patients with cystic fibrosis, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and persistent asthma.

Nasal Polyp Symptoms

There are a multitude of symptoms that indicate the presence of nasal polyps, including: 

  • Significant nasal obstruction
  • Frequent sneezing
  • Watery anterior rhinorrhea, also known as excessive nasal secretions
  • Post nasal drip
  • Hyposmia and anosmia: reduced or absent sense of smell 
  • Loss of taste
  • Infrequent pain over the dorsum of the nose, forehead, and cheeks
  • Itching around the eyes

Treatment for Nasal Polyps

The purpose of medical treatment for nasal polyps is to: 

  1. Eliminate nasal polyp symptoms
  2. Reestablish nasal breathing and olfaction
  3. Prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps in the future

Predominantly, topically applied nasal steroids have been proven as the most effective form of treatment for nasal polyps. Nasal steroids have been shown to decrease polyp size, eliminate nasal congestion, increase nasal airflow, and decrease the recurrent rate.

In some cases, oral steroids may be required to reduce polyp size, while antibiotics can be utilized to fix any infectious complications of nasal polyps. 

Surgery is reserved solely for highly serious cases of nasal polyps, where severe obstruction and recurrent sinusitis is present, and only after other medical treatment has failed.

Contact Ear and Sinus Institute

At Ear and Sinus Institute, our board certified otorhinolaryngologist, Marc Dean, MD, is highly qualified to diagnose and treat nasal polyps. If you or a loved one is struggling with nasal polyps or other ear, nose, and sinus conditions, call us at (817) 332-4060, or make an appointment here

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Call Us to Schedule an Appointment: (817) 332-4060
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