Expert Care for Nasal Polyps

Breathing easily is something many take for granted, but for those suffering from chronic sinus issues, it can feel like a daily struggle. A common culprit behind persistent nasal congestion, loss of smell, and recurrent infections is the presence of nasal polyps. These growths, while typically non-cancerous, can severely impact your comfort and health.

Dr. Cable and our dedicated team provide comprehensive care, from accurate diagnosis to advanced treatment, to help you manage nasal polyps and the chronic sinusitis they often accompany. Our goal is to clear your nasal passages and restore your sense of well-being.

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, teardrop-shaped growths that develop on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They result from chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes, though the exact reason for this inflammation is not always known.

Small polyps may not cause any symptoms. However, larger growths or clusters of polyps can block your nasal passages and sinuses, leading to significant breathing problems, a reduced sense of smell, and frequent infections.

Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

The presence of nasal polyps is often associated with the following signs and symptoms:

• Persistent Nasal Congestion: A constant feeling of a stuffy or blocked nose.
• Runny Nose: Continuous drainage from the nose.
• Postnasal Drip: The sensation of mucus running down the back of your throat.
• Reduced or Complete Loss of Smell: As polyps grow, they can block the olfactory receptors responsible for smell.
• Loss of Sense of Taste: Your sense of smell is closely linked to your ability to taste.
• Facial Pain or Headache: Pressure and fullness in the forehead and face.
• Pain in the Upper Teeth.
• Snoring.

The Connection to Chronic Sinusitis

Nasal polyps are a key factor in a condition known as Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). This is a specific type of chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks) where polyps are present. The inflammation that leads to the formation of polyps also causes the classic symptoms of sinusitis, creating a cycle of congestion, drainage, and discomfort.

Causes and Risk Factors

Nasal polyps are linked to a specific type of inflammation known as Type 2 inflammation. While anyone can develop them, certain factors increase your risk:

• Asthma: A significant number of people with nasal polyps also have asthma.
• Aspirin Sensitivity: Known as Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), this condition involves a reaction to aspirin and other NSAIDs that often includes asthma and nasal polyps.
• Allergic Fungal Sinusitis: An allergic reaction to airborne fungi.
• Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects mucus production.
• Certain Genetic Predispositions.

The Diagnostic Process: Identifying the Cause

A thorough diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Dr. Cable will use a combination of methods to determine if you have nasal polyps.

1. Medical History and Symptom Review: The first step is a detailed discussion of your symptoms, their impact on your life, and your personal and family medical history.
2. Nasal Endoscopy: This is the primary tool for diagnosing nasal polyps. Dr. Cable will use a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light (an endoscope) to look inside your nasal passages and sinuses. This provides a clear, magnified view of any polyps and helps assess the extent of the inflammation.
3. Imaging Studies: A CT scan may be recommended to reveal the full size and location of polyps deeper within your sinus cavities. This is particularly important for planning surgical treatment.
4. Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected as a contributing factor, allergy tests may be performed to identify specific triggers.

Treatment Options: From Medication to Advanced Procedures

Treatment for nasal polyps aims to reduce their size or eliminate them, thereby relieving symptoms and addressing the underlying inflammation.

Medical Management

The first line of treatment is typically medication:

• Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays: These sprays can help shrink small polyps and reduce inflammation to relieve a stuffy nose and runny nose.
• Oral Corticosteroids: For larger polyps causing severe symptoms, a short course of oral steroids may be prescribed to provide more significant and rapid shrinkage.
• Biologic Medications: For patients with severe CRSwNP and those whose polyps recur despite other treatments, a newer class of drugs called biologics (such as Dupixent®) can be highly effective. These targeted therapies work by blocking the specific inflammatory proteins that cause polyp growth.

Surgical Intervention

If medication is insufficient, surgery may be recommended.

• Polypectomy/Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: This procedure is performed to physically remove the polyps and open the sinus pathways. Using an endoscope for visualization, Dr. Cable can precisely remove the polyps and other obstructive tissue. This not only provides immediate relief but also allows topical nasal medications to work more effectively post-surgery.

Even after successful surgery, ongoing medical management with nasal sprays or biologics is often necessary to prevent recurrence, as polyps have a tendency to grow back. Dr. Cable will develop a long-term care plan to keep you breathing clearly.

Further Reading:

1. Mayo Clinic – Nasal Polyps
2. Cleveland Clinic – Nasal Polyps