Sinus Polyps

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.
  • 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.

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.

Schedule Today

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