Nasal polyps are small, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nose or sinuses. About 40% of the general population have nasal polyps.[1] They’re common in people with repeat sinus infections, nasal inflammation, allergies or asthma.
Let’s take a look at why you might need to have your nasal polyps removed.
Nasal Polyp Removal
Small nasal polyps aren’t usually a big deal, but if they get irritated or swollen, they can block regular breathing through your nose, making you feel congested. Nasal polyp treatment usually falls into one of two approaches:
- Medication. Medication doesn’t get rid of nasal polyps, but it helps reduce the size or associated symptoms. A few types of medications include steroid nasal sprays, oral steroids and biologics.
- Surgery. If your polyps are large enough for removal, and medications don’t shrink them, we may recommend surgery. A polypectomy uses tiny instruments, such as surgical scissors and snares, to remove polyps from the nose. Procedures such as Balloon Sinuplasty and Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), used to unblock the nasal passages, can also remove polyps. Each procedure is minimally invasive and comes with a speedy recovery time.
If your polyps regularly grow back, you may need to continue taking medication to prevent them from growing too large.
Can I Prevent Nasal Polyps?
There’s no way to completely prevent nasal polyps, but you can do a few things to reduce your risk, including:
- Take the recommended nasal polyp medication regularly
- Quit smoking and avoid other airborne irritants like chemical smells
- Avoid exposure to allergens you’re sensitive to (e.g., pollen, dust, molds, pet dander, etc.)
- Use a saline nasal rinse to clean the nose
- Practice good hygiene (e.g., wash your hands, don’t share utensils, etc.)
- Use a humidifier if the humidity in Plano goes below 40%
If nasal polyps are leaving you congested or tender, our specialists can help. We can conduct a nasal and sinus exam and help you choose the right treatment option moving forward. Call Collin County ENT today to schedule your appointment.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Nasal polyps. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15250-nasal-polyps