Nasal Polyps

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Nasal polyps are benign teardrop-like growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. People who have a history of allergies, immune disorders and chronic inflammation are predominantly affected by nasal polyps. Unlike polyps found in the colon, nasal polyps rarely develop into cancerous growths.

The most common symptoms of nasal polyps include:

  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Breathing through the mouth
  • Abnormality of taste
  • Snoring

What Causes Nasal Polyps?

Lining the nasal passages is a layer of mucus that protects the inside of the nose and sinuses. When there’s an infection or allergy-induced inflammation, the mucus lining becomes inflamed and swollen, sometimes resulting in a post-nasal drip. If there’s a case of prolonged inflammation, the mucosa may begin to form polyps. The most common causes of nasal polyps are underlying conditions or triggers.

Some of these conditions include:

  • Asthma
  • Chronic Sinusitis
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Hay Fever
  • Sensitivity to NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Research has also found that nasal polyps could be closely related to the way a person’s genes cause their immune system to react to inflammation.

Treatment of Nasal Polyps

Due to prevalent recurrence, the primary goal for nasal polyp treatment is to shrink or eliminate them. For your treatment, Dr Makhaye will prescribe corticosteroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation. If the nasal spray is ineffective, injectable or oral corticosteroids - such as prednisone - serve as an alternative to reduce swelling.