Do I have nasal polyps?

With review and feedback from Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. ENT doctor Isaac Dingle, MD (SouthPark)

Are you having breathing problems? Do you have difficulty smelling things? Well, you may have nasal polyps. What are those? How are they treated?

What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths inside your nasal passages or sinuses. They are caused by chronic inflammation and are usually triggered by asthma, allergies, recurring infections, some medicines, some immune disorders, and vitamin D deficiency.

Small polyps usually don’t cause problems. In fact, you might not even know they are there. However, larger ones or groups of them can cause breathing problems, a loss of your sense of smell, and recurring infections.

Other symptoms include a runny nose, chronic stuffiness, postnasal drip, sinus pressure, snoring, nosebleeds, headaches, and toothaches.

Polyps will last as long as whatever is causing them still exists, so they are unlikely to go away on their own without changes to your environment.

Is there any way to stop nasal polyps from developing?

You can prevent nasal polyps with good hygiene, using a nasal rinse, operating a humidifier, managing your allergies and asthma, and avoiding irritants like allergens and tobacco smoke.

How are nasal polyps treated?

After your doctor confirms you have nasal polyps, they will consider a number of different treatments. They would likely start you off with some sort of medicine, such as a corticosteroid, to help reduce their size. If medicines don’t work, surgery may be considered.

Can I get nasal polyp care at CEENTA?

The ENT doctors at CEENTA would be happy to diagnose and treat any polyp-related issues you might have.

"We have a variety of options to control nasal polyps here,” CEENTA ENT doctor Isaac Dingle, MD, said. “Allergy therapy, medications and both office-based and traditional surgical procedures. If you are having sinus issues, trouble breathing through the nose, or decrease in your sense of smell, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment.”

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.