Inoffensive growths along the internal nasal walls or sinuses in the nasal passage, which are painless and benign, are typically known as nasal polyps. Nasal polyps affect adults and are generally not considered as a serious ailment, but more of a disturbance causing factor in most cases. They are small sac type lump and may not be bothersome as long as they are small in size. The problems begin when this lump increases in proportion and obstructs the nasal ventilation or sinuses.
Causes of nasal polyps
A decisive cause for nasal polyps is unknown but the research till date has categorized some possible triggers such as:
• Chronic rhinosinusitis
• Asthma
• Sensitive sinuses with allergies
• Susceptible allergic tendencies
• Mucosa is the protective wet lining in the nose and sinuses reddens during constant or recurring nasal infections. When the allergy is extended, the mucosa may develop into a polyp, thus blocking the nasal airway.
• Vulnerability to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Hereditary hypersensitivity that may cause the mucosa to respond to the inflammation.
Symptoms of nasal polyps
Nasal polyps occur at the junction of the nose, eyes, and cheekbones. The paucity of nerves in the lump explains their insensitivity and the difficulties in identifying the problem. In certain patients, the polyps enlarge enough to restrict nasal way and bring about protracted congestions. The prominent signs of nasal polyps can be as follows:
• A diminished sense of smell
• Protracted nasal congestion
• Postnasal drip, i.e., mucus flowing in the back of the throat
• Snoring
• Breathing constraints and oral breathing
• Unexplained feeling of nasal clog
• Heaviness in the head or forehead
• Sleep apnea; a condition in which one’s breathing suddenly halts for a moment while sleeping.
Diagnosis of nasal polyps
The doctor may spot the polyps in the nose by examining the nasal cavities using equipment with a tiny light called otoscope or nasoscope. This is a relatively painless process and is usually quick and simple. The nasal polyps can be easily visible in some cases when it is present in the outer nasal passage, whereas a deeper analysis is required in case the polyps are in the deeper sinusitis. In such conditions, the doctor will prefer to carry out a nasal endoscopy to further identify the polyps. The procedure is conducted by maneuvering a thin filament with light and camera, into the nose.
Post examination of the polyps, its precise location and extent are classified by a CT scan or MRI scan. The scan reveals the lumps as opaque forms and calculates the extent of their presence. The polyps may deform the nasal bone in some cases and the scans help identify complications or confirm the non-existence of other growths that may be malignant.
The specialist may decide to research the disorder more extensively by an allergy test and list the likely generators of allergies which instigate nasal polyps.
The doctor may plan the most suitable mode of treatment after evaluating investigations and conclusive scrutiny. It may be an extended health disorder but not necessarily alarming or life-threatening. The intervention of advanced medications and treatments can restore a normal routine with nasal polyps or remove it altogether.
