Nasal Polyps

NASAL POLYPS

NASAL POLYPS

Nasal polyps are gradually enlarging, painless growths that form inside the anterior nasal passage.
Polyps are usually characterised by the following symptoms:
  • Blocked nose
  • Loss or decreased sense of smell
  • Phlegm in throat of frequent throat clearing
  • Facial pain or purulent nasal mucus
  • Nasal quality to voice
Nasal polyps need to be evaluated with a nasoendoscopic examination and biopsy. Once diagnosed with nasal polyps, one has to be monitored long term to monitor the longitudinal growth rate and size of the nasal polyps.

TREATMENT

Treatment depends on size of the polyps, the symptoms one is experiencing and what previous treatment has been attempted in the past.  Treatment options range from:
  • Short course of oral steroids
  • Topical nasal steroid sprays
  • Topical Antileukotriene receptor antagonists
  • Endoscopic sinus surgery to debulk the polyps and allow more space of treatment medications to reach polypoidal areas.
  • Steroid eluding stents

Adult ENT