Nasal polyps are benign growths of the nasal mucosa that often develop in the paranasal sinuses. A typical symptom of nasal polyps is a persistently stuffy nose, which makes it difficult to breathe through the nose. Chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane can cause polyps to grow in the nose and block the airways.
Nasal polyps often occur alongside asthma, allergies, or chronic inflammation of the sinuses. Treatment depends on the size and extent of the growths and may involve medication, such as a nasal spray, or surgery. Small polyps can often be managed with medication, while larger polyps may require surgical removal.
If nasal polyps are detected early, symptoms such as snoring, a reduced sense of smell, or sinus infections can often be significantly alleviated.
Causes and Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
The causes and exact mechanism of nasal polyps remain unclear to this day. Nasal polyps often occur in connection with ASA intolerance. If these patients take aspirin or ASA, it leads to difficulty breathing through the nose.
The symptoms of nasal polyps usually manifest as
- a gradual loss of the sense of smell as well as
- increasing difficulty breathing through the nose.
Nasal polyps may be accompanied by a deviated nasal septum and enlarged turbinates.
Treatment of Nasal Polyps
Treatment for nasal polyps initially involves medication. Nasal polyps can shrink with local corticosteroid therapy in the form of a nasal spray. The nasal spray should be used regularly for at least 3 to 4 weeks. Unfortunately, this treatment is not always successful.
If medication does not produce the desired results, surgical treatment is necessary. During the procedure, the nasal polyps are completely removed from the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and examined histologically.
Surgical Procedure and Hospital Stay
In some cases, accessing the paranasal sinuses requires surgery on the nasal septum. To prevent postoperative bleeding, the surgeon inserts nasal packing into the nostrils. The procedure is performed either under general anesthesia or on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
You will be admitted to the hospital one day before the surgery. On this day, all necessary preoperative examinations and consultations will take place. Preoperative testing will definitely include a blood draw. The doctor will also discuss the type of anesthesia and the surgical procedure with you.
On the day of the surgery, you must fast. This means that starting at 12:00 a.m. on the day of admission,
- ,
- not smoke,
- chew gum, or
- suck on any candy.
On the first day after surgery, the nasal packing will be removed.
In the days that follow, your nose will be cleaned of crusts twice a day, and wound secretions will be suctioned out. The nursing staff will provide you with helpful instructions on how to care for your nose.
Due to the risk of post-operative bleeding, inpatient monitoring is necessary. The length of your hospital stay depends on how the wound heals. You should generally expect to stay in the hospital for four to five days. On the day of discharge, the condition of the wound will be checked again, and you will receive a medical report for your primary care ENT specialist.
Risks of Nasal Polyp Surgery
As with any surgery, there is a general risk of
- wound healing complications,
- infection, or
- bleeding
.
Specifically, there is a risk of temporary loss of smell and numbness in the upper row of teeth. This is usually caused by swelling or old blood in the nose. In very rare cases, these symptoms persist.
The paranasal sinuses are adjacent to the eye and the base of the skull. Therefore,
- injuries to the eye, resulting in double vision and blindness, as well as
- injuries to the meninges, leading to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and meningitis
. These complications are extremely rare.
Follow-up Care After Nasal Polyps Surgery
After discharge, a private practice ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist will typically take over your ongoing care. For up to two weeks after the surgery, you should avoid blowing your nose and refrain from
- hot baths,
- intense sunlight, and
- strenuous activity (e.g., sports)
, as there is still a risk of secondary bleeding.
It usually takes about two to three weeks for the nose to heal completely.
FAQ
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are benign growths of the mucous membrane in the nose or the paranasal sinuses. The condition is also known as polyposis nasi or polyposis nasi et. True nasal polyps are usually caused by chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa or the sinuses and can impair nasal breathing.
What symptoms are commonly associated with nasal polyps?
A typical symptom is a persistently stuffy nose. Other symptoms of nasal polyps include snoring, a diminished sense of smell, difficulty breathing, sinus infections, and a feeling of pressure in the throat. Large nasal polyps can block the airways and cause persistent irritation of the nasal mucosa.
How are nasal polyps treated?
Treatment usually begins with medication, such as nasal sprays or special nasal sprays, to moisturize the mucous membranes and relieve inflammation. If medication alone is not sufficient, surgical removal of the nasal polyps may be necessary. For chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, treatment is tailored to the individual.
What are the causes and risk factors for nasal polyps?
The most common causes and risk factors include chronic rhinosinusitis, bronchial asthma, allergies, cystic fibrosis, and opioid intolerance. Inflammation of the nasal mucosa or paranasal sinuses also contributes to the development of nasal polyps. The condition often affects both sides and can become chronic.
Can nasal polyps be prevented?
Preventing nasal polyps is only possible to a limited extent, but inhalation therapy, regularly moisturizing the mucous membranes, and consistently treating sinusitis or allergies can help. It is also important to treat chronic inflammation early on so that small polyps do not continue to grow and surgical removal of polyps can be avoided.
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Sabine Schneider
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Sabine Schneider – medical author: Explore expert articles and medical expertise in the Leading Medicine Guide.
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