What are nasal polyps?
A nasal polyp is a non-cancerous growth that develops in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses, usually due to inflammation. They often originate from the ethmoid sinuses, which drain into the sidewall of the nasal cavity.
The chance of developing nasal polyps is between 1 and 20 for every 1,000 people. Anyone can be affected by nasal polyps, but they are more common in men. The risk of developing nasal polyps declines after 60.
What are the causes of nasal polyps?
The exact reason why some people get nasal polyps is not known. However, 90% of nasal polyps include inflammatory cells (known as eosinophilia) which are associated with allergies and infections.
Several risk factors are also known to increase the risk of developing nasal polyps:
Late-onset asthma in adults (rather than childhood asthma) – 20-40% of patients presenting with polyps also have coexisting asthma
Aspirin hypersensitivity – in 8% of polyp patients, aspirin sensitivity occurs alongside asthma and polyps. These polyps tend to recur more than in other conditions
Cystic fibrosis
Nasal allergy
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
Nasal polyps symptoms
Nasal polyps can sometimes cause symptoms of a cold. But unlike a cold which will clear up in a few days on its own, nasal polyps require treatment to stop symptoms.
Symptoms of nasal polyps include:
A blocked nose
A runny nose and/or sneezing (in about half of patients)
A poor sense of smell and taste (which may not always return after treatment)
Postnasal drip (a feeling of mucus dripping down the back of your throat)
Snoring
Nose bleeds
Sinus pressure
If your nasal polyps block your sinuses they can cause:
Nasal polyps diagnosis
To confirm the presence of nasal polyps, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist will need to perform a diagnostic procedure called an endoscopy. This involves inserting a small tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) into your nose. Images will appear on a screen where your ENT specialist will be able to see any nasal polyps and can also rule out infection or any unusual features.
Nasal polyp treatment
Medication and surgery are the two main treatment options for nasal polyps. Your specialist will recommend the best line of treatment for you based on the severity of your condition.
Nasal polyps medication
Steroid nasal sprays or drops have been shown to shrink nasal polyps in 80% of people. Many can take up to six weeks before they fully take effect and stronger steroid drops can be used carefully in short courses.
Steroid tablets can also work to relieve symptoms, but the effects are temporary and they should be used in moderation due to potential side effects.
Nasal polyps surgery
If medications aren’t effective, or if you have large polyps, sinus surgery may be required to remove them. Your specialist will likely use an endoscopy to guide one of the following minimally invasive procedures:
Polypectomy - small instruments are used to clamp and remove the polyps
Balloon sinuplasty - a small balloon is passed through your nostril and into your sinus cavity. It’s then inflated to unblock your nasal passages, and the polyps may also be removed at the same time
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) - sometimes called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), small instruments are used to remove the polyps as well as diseased tissue, damaged bone and anything else that is obstructing your nasal passages
While surgery is the most effective way to treat nasal polyps, 75% of patients will have their polyps come back after an average of four years.
If your polyps return, cleaning out and opening up the sinuses is thought to increase the amount of time before they recur. Local medical treatment using anti-inflammatory sprays or drops may still be needed.
Nasal polyps surgery side effects
All surgical procedures have risks associated with them. Your surgeon will talk you through any procedure you need and explain any risks to you.
Side effects of nasal polyps surgery can include:
How long do nasal polyps last?
The only way to get rid of nasal polyps is to undergo treatment – they will not resolve on their own. Without treatment, nasal polyps can restrict the normal functions of your nose, and even with treatment, they can recur.
Having nasal polyps removed at OneWelbeck
At OneWelbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in the treatment of nasal polyps. If you suspect you have nasal polyps get in touch today to make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
