If you suffer from any number of diseases or medical issues that can lead to chronic inflammation, including asthma, seasonal allergies or a variety of autoimmune diseases, you may also be prone to nasal polyps. In most cases, nasal polyps are dangerous, and you may not even notice you have them. If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with chronic nasal polyps, here are a few frequently asked questions you might have:
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are small, pink or yellowish colored growths that form inside the nasal cavity. The exact reasons why polyps form isn't known; however, they do impact people of all ages. Polyps are often shaped like teardrops or grapes and they can grow in small clusters or you might only have one.
When polyps become larger or if you have several in a small cluster, it can actually impact your sense of smell or make it difficult to breathe. If this occurs, it is vital to contact your doctor right away. Thankfully, in most cases polyps aren't dangerous and they are not an early indicator of cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?
Once again, if the polyps are very small or there are only one or two in your nasal passages, you might not even know you have them. Additionally, many patients also confuse the symptoms of nasal polyps with a common cold or influenza. If you are suffering with the following symptoms for several weeks, it's important to visit the doctor right away:
- Chronic runny nose
- Stuffy nose that won't seem to go away
- Trouble smelling or tasting
- Chronic headaches or facial pain
- Snoring
- Forehead and tooth pressure
In some instances, untreated nasal polyps can lead to obstructive sleep apnea. According to the Mayo Clinic, obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes snoring and impacts your breathing at night. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you can stop breathing for several second intervals at night, which can be very dangerous if not treated.
There are other symptoms associated with nasal polyps that are very rare, and can be potentially dangerous. If you are diagnosed with nasal polyps are cannot breathe, lose the ability to move your eyes, swelling around your eyes or a bad headache that is accompanied by a fever, call 9-1-1, immediately.
How Are Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?
In most cases, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform an examination of your nasal passages in order to diagnose your nasal polyps. In some cases, your doctor may need to perform additional tests. For example, the doctor might perform a nasal endoscopy, which involves gently guiding a thin tube fitted with a light and a camera into your nose and through your nasal cavities.
Your doctor may also perform an allergy test to help determine what is causing the chronic inflammation that is leading to your nasal polyps. Once the doctor determines the substances you are allergic to, they can create a treatment plan that can help prevent the formation of nasal polyps in the future.
How Can I Treat Nasal Polyps?
Luckily, there are many treatment options available for nasal polyps. Your doctor may begin by prescribing a nasal steroid that can help reduce the inflammation in your nasal passages, which will help reduce the size and number of your nasal polyps. There are other oral medications available, such as antibiotics and allergy medications, that are also effective.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery, which is intended to remove the existing polyps and treat the inflammation that would lead to polyps forming in the future.
Nasal polyps are a common condition that can be easily diagnosed, treated and prevented. If you suspect you are suffering from nasal polyps, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. For more information, contact a business such as Dymista.
