Nasal Polyps Definition
Nasal polyposis (or nasal polyps for short) consists of reactive tumors that are caused by severe inflammation.
As your nose swells and congests from inflammation, such as from allergies or infection, small pouches or balloons may form. They can shrink or swell, but for the most part continue to become larger and larger until they cause problems such as nasal obstruction, recurrent sinusitis, or loss of smell.
Other types and causes of nasal polyps besides simple inflammatory polyps include benign tumors called inverting papilloma, which need to be removed to avoid destruction from its local effects in the nose, as well as rare causes such as nasal cancers (for example, olfactory neuroblastomas).
Treatment for Nasal Polyps
If you have or think you might have nasal polyps, you’ll need to seek an evaluation by a board-certified ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor who specializes in rhinology (disorders of the nose).
In Dr. Pasha’s clinic, several steps are required in the workup of nasal polyps:
- Nasal endoscopy (painless microscopic evaluation of the nose)
- Allergy testing to root out the cause
- A CT scan (X-ray) to determine where the polyps are coming from
Dr. Pasha and his staff utilize numerous methods to remove nasal polyps, ranging from in-office procedures (nasal polypectomy) to sinus surgery using stereotactic guidance, depending on factors such as the severity of the disease and risk of recurrence. Advanced techniques such as corticosteroid implants, which can be inserted in the office or operating room, as well as biologics (specialized medicine that reduces inflammation created by bacteria and yeast) may also be helpful.
Recurrence is a common problem with many types of nasal polyps, so the key to managing them is not just to remove them but to prevent them from coming back. Dr. Pasha will spend a great deal of effort in determining the cause and then providing a solution to prevent the polyps from returning, from specialized nasal rinses to allergy shots.
