What Are Sinus Polyps?
Sinus polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths arising from the lining of the nose or sinuses. Small polyps may not cause any symptoms at all, while larger polyps can block your sinuses completely. This doesn’t allow your sinuses to drain and for air to pass through the nose. Leading to bacteria building up and sinusitis may result.
Causes Of Nasal Polyps
Polyps look like little clusters of grapes and are thought to be a result of chronic inflammation due to recurring infection, asthma, allergies, drug sensitivity or certain immune disorders.
How Are Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?
Polyps can be diagnosed with a nasal endoscopy and a MiniCAT Instant CT Scan. These tools can identify the location of the polyps as well as measure the quantity and severity level of the polyps. Speaking with Dr. Gould can help patients with any additional questions.
Medical Management Of Sinus Polyps
Although we don’t know exactly why and how sinus polyps form, we do know they are associated with inflammation, allergies and often asthma. Medications aimed at reducing inflammation can help reduce the size of polyps, thus improving sinus and nasal symptoms.
- Saline Irrigation Sprays– Using an over the counter saline spray or irrigation system regularly will cleanse and moisten the sinuses.
- Nasal Steroid Sprays – These reduce the inflammatory response and are the preferred treatment to reduce the size of nasal polyps in addition to decreasing nasal congestion.
- Oral Steroids – If nasal steroid sprays are not effective, it may be necessary to take oral steroids. These greatly reduce the size of polyps usually within the first few days. Steroids will help bring them under control.
- Oral medications – Amoxicillin reduces inflammation of the sinuses and thereby reduces the size of polyps. You can through our simplified form.
- Allergy Treatment – If you have allergies, antihistamines, other allergy medications and immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) may be needed.
Surgical Management Of Nasal Polyps- Polypectomy
Polyps can be removed by using a small mechanical device or a microdebrider – an instrument that cuts and extracts the soft tissue. Depending on the severity of polyps, this procedure can be performed at the St. Louis Sinus Center.
FAQs
What Are the Early Symptoms of Sinus Polyps?
Early symptoms of sinus or nasal polyps can be subtle. They often resemble those of common colds or allergies. Essential signs to watch for include:
- Persistent congestion
- Runny nose
- A reduced sense of smell or taste
- Postnasal drip
- Facial pain
- Pressure, particularly around the forehead, eyes, and upper teeth
- Frequent sinus infections
- A sense of fullness in the nasal passages
If you notice these symptoms persisting for more than a few weeks, seek a consultation at St. Louis Sinus Center.
Can Sinus Polyps Lead to Other Health Complications?
Sinus polyps themselves are benign. However, they can lead to significant health complications if left untreated.
The most common complication is chronic sinusitis, where the polyps block the normal drainage pathways of the sinuses. This leads to prolonged inflammation and infection. It can also result in:
- Severe sinus headaches
- Persistent nasal congestion
- Asthma flare-ups in susceptible individuals
Additionally, large polyps can obstruct airflow through the nasal passages. This causes breathing difficulties and sleep apnea, which can affect overall health and quality of life.
It’s essential to address sinus polyps promptly. This will prevent these potential complications and ensure effective nasal polyp treatment.
How Can I Prevent Sinus Polyps From Recurring?
- Using nasal corticosteroid sprays regularly to reduce inflammation and shrink polyps
- Managing allergies and asthma, as these conditions often contribute to polyp development
- Using a humidifier to ensure nasal passages stay moist
- Avoiding irritants like smoke, dust, and strong chemicals
- Maintaining good nasal hygiene with saline sprays or rinses to keep the nasal passages clear of allergens and irritants
If you’re prone to recurrent polyps, you should also schedule regular follow-up appointments at St. Louis Sinus Center. These visits can ensure timely interventions and ongoing treatment.
Are Sinus Polyps More Common in Certain Age Groups?
Sinus polyps can occur at any age. However, they are most commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 40. Children and teenagers are less frequently affected (although it’s not unheard of for them to develop polyps).
Other factors can also increase your chances of being diagnosed with nasal polyps. For example, they are more common in those with a history of allergies, asthma, recurrent sinus infections, and certain genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis. They are also 1.5 times more prevalent in men than women.
Why Choose St. Louis Sinus Center?
Since its founding in 2011, the center has provided Midwest patients with top-notch care in sinus, allergy, snoring, and sleep apnea treatments, all in one convenient location. The comprehensive approach includes ENT examinations, nasal endoscopies, MiniCAT sinus CT scans, allergy testing, and home sleep tests, often completed in one visit.
The team at St. Louis Sinus Center is led by Dr. James D Gould, MD, FACS. He brings over 20 years of ENT experience. Surgeons from across the country also visit the center weekly to learn Dr. Gould’s advanced techniques. By choosing St. Louis Sinus Center, you can access cutting-edge treatments and comprehensive evaluations that efficiently and effectively address all your sinus health needs – including sinus polyps.
Schedule A Consultation
To learn more about treatment for sinus polyps, please call 314-450-7720 to schedule a consultation with our experienced team at our office’s in St. Louis and Festus, MO. You can change your life with nose surgery and you can take the first step by speaking with us.
