Overview

Nasal polypectomy is a surgical excision of polyps, soft growth in the lining of nasal and sinus tracts, most commonly performed under an endoscope to view and access the region.

What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are benign growths, and they are not painful. They occur in the soft tissue that lines your nose and sinus passages. They prefer to occur most often on either side of your nose. Nasal polyps will become inflamed and turn red, and breathing through your nose is impossible.

They're teardrops in size for small polyps. But the larger they become, they are yellow or pink, peeled grape-like, or grey. They might also have an odour when they become large enough to block their drainage.

Nasal polyps develop in as many as 40% of people. You can create them in anyone. But you are most likely to develop them if you are a man. Most men and women develop them in their 30s and 40s. But the risk increases overall as you age.

Another term for nasal polyps is nasal polyposis.

Nasal polyp symptoms

Tiny polyps in your nose will produce no symptoms whatsoever. But once they are more prominent, you may experience:-

Nasal congestion (stuffiness).
Rhinorrhea (runny nose).
Headaches.
Loss of smell and taste.
Nosebleeds.
Postnasal drip.
Sinus pressure.
Snoring.

Large polyps will block your nasal passages and sinuses and result in:-

Frequent asthma attacks (in people with asthma).
Recurrent sinus infections (sinusitis).
Sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
Difficulty breathing, even for individuals who do not have asthma.

Due to allergy, infection or asthma, chronic sinusitis appears to be the most frequent polyps cause. Chronic sinusitis is nasal and sinus inflammation for over three months. However, numerous risk factors can lead to the development of nasal polyps.

How Doctors Diagnose Nasal Polyps?

Your doctor will begin to diagnose nasal polyps with an examination. As they examine you, they can:-

Peer inside your nose with a scope (a long, flexible, tube-like tool with a light and camera).
Review your medical history (specifically on allergies, asthma or sinus infection).
Ask about your symptoms and how long.

Tests that help diagnose nasal polyps

If the physician would like to learn more, they can have one of these imaging tests done to aid them in figuring out the size and position of each polyp:-

CT (computed tomography) scan.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Your physician may also recommend an allergy test that can help them identify the allergens inflaming the nose and causing polyps.

How are nasal polyps treated?

Treatment of nasal polyps varies with the severity of your condition. Surgery and medication are the two most popular choices.

Nasal polyps tend to recur even if they're removed. Your doctor will provide information on how likely they are to come back and how to treat them.

Medication does not prefer to get rid of nasal polyps but helps cure symptoms. Some of these treatments are:-

Steroid sprays for the nose that decreased polyps and eased symptoms.
Oral steroids (pills you swallow) like prednisone.
Biologic medicines, like dupilumab injections. (Dupilumab contains monoclonal antibodies that activate your immune system and can decrease nasal polyps.)

Your doctor can also prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection.

Surgery on nasal polyps

If medicine does not work — or if you have significant polyps — you might need sinus surgery to have them taken out. Your doctor might use nasal endoscopy to perform one of these less-invasive surgeries:-

Polypectomy: Your doctor puts small tools — scissors or snares — into your nose to catch and remove the polyps. (A snare is a loop that goes around a polyp.)
Balloon sinuplasty: A physician inserts a small balloon through your nose into your sinus tunnel. They inflate the balloon gradually to clear out your nasal channel. They'll sometimes also remove nasal polyps.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS): A physician performs the procedure with tiny instruments, removing polyps, infected tissue, broken bone and all the other material that clogs up your nasal passages.

All these are performed minimally invasively.

Can nasal polyps be prevented?

Although it can not be prevented, individuals can yet reduce its impact and risk by:-

Using prescribed medications regularly.
Living in a safe, pollution-free environment.
Keeping a humidifier with you to humidify respiration airways.
Utilize a saline nasal spray or rinse to remove allergens or other dirt.

What is the outlook if I have nasal polyps?

Treatment can make nasal polyps go away and make it easier for you to breathe through your nose. Unfortunately, however, polyps can come back after treatment. Some people have to keep taking steroid medications or have repeated surgery to manage them.

People with ageusia and anosmia may not experience complete symptom relief after treatment. Discuss what to expect in your case with your healthcare provider.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

You should make an appointment at the hospital to report signs of nasal polyps that have been present for over 10 days.

Also, tell your provider if you notice one growth on one nostril. This could be a paranasal or nasal tumour rather than a polyp.

Will nasal polyps go away on their own?

Occasionally, nasal polyps shrink independently over time, but they rarely disappear altogether. People with nasty symptoms will likely need treatment.

Can nasal polyps be dislodged?

Trauma or blowing your nose very hard can cause nasal polyps to become swollen or dislodge. Nasal steroid sprays reduce the burning sensation and help the polyps reform into place.

How do I eliminate nasal polyps at home?

You never should — under any circumstances — try to take out nasal polyps. It can cause damage, profuse bleeding and infection.

Why Choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Nasal polypectomy in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm is the Best ENT Hospital for Nasal Polypectomy in Lucknow, India. We have an expert team of ENT surgeons skilled in endoscopic nasal surgeries. We provide accurate diagnosis, minimally invasive polypectomy, and post-operative care for patients suffering from chronic nasal blockage, sinusitis, and nasal polyps.