Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyposis is a form of chronic sinusitis. Pre-disposed patients develop marked inflammation and swelling in the nose and sinuses, which lead to obstructed drainage and sinus infection, poor breathing, facial pressure and a poor sense of smell. In severe cases, changes can occur to the appearance of the face, including changes to the position of the eyes.
Nasal polyps often relate to an underlying allergy or immune dysfunction in the sinuses, which lead to the development of these polyps. Typically they contain mucous and fluid and are outpouchings of the lining tissue of the nose and sinuses. Your surgeon will detect polyps and their severity with an endoscope and a CT scan. Often, blood tests are ordered.

Management of polyps usually requires steroid sprays, saline rinsing and occasionally antibiotics. Steroid tablets can help in the short term, but are not a long term solution for most patients. Endoscopic sinus surgery may be considered, to remove the polyps and allow pathologic analysis of their makeup.