Nasal Polyps in Littleton, CO
What are Nasal Polyps and What Causes Them?
Nasal polyps are growths that develop inside the nose. Typically, they are not painful, but they can block the nasal passages, causing difficulty breathing through the nose. Nasal polyps can be caused by chronic inflammation of nasal tissue from chronic sinusitis, an infection, or other causes.
Signs and Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps may be completely asymptomatic, or they can cause significant signs and symptoms, including:
- Loud snoring
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Facial, head, or tooth pain
- Issues with smell and taste
- Pressure over the face and forehead
How You Can Help Prevent Nasal Polyps
You can take some important steps to help prevent irritation, inflammation, and nasal polyp formation. It’s important to:
- Avoid smoking
- Manage asthma and allergies to limit inflammation
- Avoid tobacco smoke, perfumes, chemical fumes, and dust
- Wash your hands frequently to prevent infections
- Place a humidifier in your home to moisten the air
- Irrigate your nasal passages with saline solution once each day
How Your Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy Specialist Can Treat Nasal Polyps
Your ENT and allergy specialist offers several effective treatments for nasal polyps and may recommend:
- Prescription strength medications, including corticosteroids, are used to reduce the size of the polyps or eliminate them
- Prescription-strength antihistamines to reduce allergy-related inflammation
- Antibiotics to eliminate bacteria causing chronic sinus infections
Larger polyps that are affecting breathing may require endoscopic surgery to remove them. Endoscopic surgery involves inserting a thin flexible tube into your nostril and guiding it up into your nasal passages. Small instruments are used to remove the polyps, clearing out nasal passages so you can breathe easily.