What are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths which spontaneously form in nasal passages for largely unknown reasons. There may be a connection between the formation of nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis, but a runny nose alone does not always trigger nasal polyps. Some medical experts suggest a link between sinus infections and the increased likelihood of polyp formation, but others suggest that the majority of nasal polyps form idiopathically, meaning there is no definitive cause. Symptoms of nasal polyps include blocked nasal airways, sudden onset of snoring, reduction in senses of smell or taste, and discolored nasal mucus. The polyps themselves may appear as enlarged sacs of mucus with a jelly-like consistency. Unlike benign or malignant polyps which may form in other areas of the body, nasal polyps are not usually attached to the skin and are not usually viewed as evidence of a more serious medical condition. There are several different courses of treatment for nasal polyps, most of whic
Nasal polyps are soft fleshy swellings that grow inside the nose. They may be yellowish, grey or pink in colour. They are common and are not cancerous (that is, they are benign). Nasal polyps can vary greatly in size. There may be only one but sometimes several grow like a ‘small bunch of grapes’ on a stem. What causes nasal polyps? In most cases the cause is not known. It is thought that ongoing (chronic) inflammation in the nose causes overgrowth of the lining of the nostril. This can sometimes lead to small polyps forming. These may then gradually grow larger. Polyps usually affect both nostrils. The cause of the inflammation is unclear in most cases. However, certain conditions make nose inflammation and polyps more likely. These include: asthma, allergy to aspirin, cystic fibrosis, and some rare conditions of the nose. Who gets nasal polyps? About 1 in 100 people will develop nasal polyps at some stage in their life. Nasal polyps can affect anyone. However, most cases occur in peo
If part of the membrane that lines the inner part of the nose becomes swollen and sticks out into the cavity of the nose, the growth that it forms is called a polyp. They are benign (do not cause cancer or spread), but are usually multiple and can be a nuisance for some people. How do you get Nasal Polyps? The exact cause of nasal polyps is unknown, but some people are more susceptible than others. How serious are Nasal Polyps? Polyps are harmless, but the presence of a large one, or several small ones, can obstruct the airway of the nose, make breathing difficult and impair the sense of smell. How long do Nasal Polyps last? Nasal polyps may be present for many years and do not always cause a problem. How are Nasal Polyps treated? If they are causing problems, polyps are treated with anti-inflammatory medicines, such as steroids (of the type called glucocorticosteroids), given by nasal spray. Nasal polyps may be removed by a minor operation under a local anaesthetic (which deadens the
