What is Nasal Polyp?
Nasal polyps develop due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinus and nasal tract. As a result, they are pale pink-colored masses that appear in the intranasal and nasal side cavities. These masses, which can extend from the nostrils to the bottom of the throat, are painless, soft, and benign.
These can sometimes be confused with intranasal papilloma. But the two are very different formations. The intranasal papilloma is a tumoral structure. However, histopathologically it is quite different and its appearance is cauliflower-shaped.
What are the Causes of Nasal Polyp?
Nasal polyps generally develop due to the following reasons:
- Genetic causes
- Drug sensitivity
- Allergies
- Chronic sinusitis
Symptoms
Small polyps often have no symptoms. However, the symptoms of nasal polyps seen in general are as follows;
- Severe nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing
- Runny nose and nasal passage
- Pain in the head, around the eyes and upper teeth
- Change in sound
- Fullness in the sinuses
- Snoring and sleep apnea due to inability to breathe
- Impairment of taste and smell
Nasal Polyps Treatment
Treatment of this problem may vary according to the situation. It is performed medically or surgically. Local or systemic corticosteroids are preferred as drugs. If there is an allergic condition, antihistamines are administered. Antileukotrienes are preferred in allergy sufferers. Again, depending on the cause of nasal polyp formation, decongestants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be effective. Most often, salty nasal nasal lavage is recommended. This procedure is very useful as the sinuses will be washed along with the nasal passage. In cases where there is no response to drug treatment, polypectomy or endoscopic sinus surgery can be performed if chronic sinusitis has occurred or if it fills and occlusively fills the nasal cavity completely. However, since there is a risk of recurrence in polyps, surgical application is usually the last preferred treatment option.
Polypectomy
In the polypectomy technique, the sinuses are shaved. Instead, it is cleaned by being plucked. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia as anesthesia.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic sinus surgery is chosen as the latest and definitive treatment method for large polyps.
Op. Dr. Tayfun Demirel successfully performs nasal polyp treatments with more than ten years of experience. If you have observed one or more of the above symptoms, you can make an appointment by contacting us.