Do you have a persistent blocked nose, reduced sense of smell, frequent sinus infections, or difficulty breathing through your nose? These symptoms may be caused by nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that develop inside the nose or sinuses due to long-standing inflammation.
Small polyps may not cause symptoms, but larger or multiple polyps can block the nasal passages and affect your breathing, sleep, and quality of life. If you have persistent nasal blockage despite medications, consult an ENT Specialist in Thane for a detailed evaluation and personalized treatment.
What are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths arising from the lining of the nose or paranasal sinuses. They are usually associated with chronic inflammation and often occur in people with Chronic sinusitis, Allergic rhinitis, Asthma or Aspirin sensitivity (Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease)
Polyps may occur in one or both nostrils and vary in size.
Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
- Persistent nose blockage
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Reduced or loss of smell (Anosmia)
- Runny nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Facial pressure or heaviness
- Frequent sinus infections
- Snoring
- Mouth breathing
- Headache (occasionally)
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of nasal polyps is not always known, but they are commonly associated with:
- Chronic sinus inflammation
- Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy)
- Asthma
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Aspirin sensitivity
- Certain immune disorders
Diagnosis
A detailed ENT examination is essential to confirm the diagnosis.
Your evaluation may include:
- Medical history and symptom assessment
- Nasal examination
- Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy
- CT Scan of the Paranasal Sinuses (when indicated)
- Allergy evaluation in selected patients
These investigations help determine the size and extent of the polyps and identify associated sinus disease.
Treatment for Nasal Polyps
Treatment depends on the size of the polyps and the severity of symptoms.
Medical Treatment
Many patients improve with:
- Saline nasal irrigation
- Intranasal corticosteroid sprays
- Short courses of oral corticosteroids in selected patients
- Treatment of underlying allergies
- Antibiotics if a bacterial sinus infection is present
Medical treatment may reduce the size of the polyps and improve symptoms.
Surgical Treatment
If medications do not provide adequate relief or the polyps are large, surgery may be recommended.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure performed through the nostrils using an endoscope to remove nasal polyps and improve sinus drainage. There are no external cuts or scars.
Even after surgery, long-term follow-up and medical treatment may be required to reduce the risk of recurrence.
When Should You Consult an ENT Specialist?
Consult an ENT specialist if you have:
- Persistent nose blockage
- Loss of smell
- Frequent sinus infections
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Snoring due to nasal obstruction
- Symptoms that do not improve with medications
- Recurrent nasal polyps after previous treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve breathing and help prevent complications.
Why Choose Dr. Seema Gupta?
- Experienced ENT Specialist & Head and Neck Surgeon
- Expertise in diagnosing and treating nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis
- Advanced evaluation using Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy
- Personalized treatment plans
- Expertise in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
- Evidence-based, patient-centred care
Nasal Polyps Treatment in Thane
Dr. Seema Gupta (MBBS, MS ENT, DNB, MRCS-ENT UK) provides expert diagnosis and treatment for nasal polyps, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum (DNS), nose blockage, snoring, and other ear, nose, and throat disorders.
Consultation available at:
- Signita Wellness, Kasarvadavali, Ghodbunder Road, Thane West
- Highland Hospital, Kolshet Road, Thane West
Book an appointment for expert evaluation and personalized treatment for nasal polyps and chronic nasal obstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that develop from the lining of the nose or sinuses due to chronic inflammation.
2.What causes nasal polyps?
They are commonly associated with chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and long-term inflammation of the nasal lining.
3.Can nasal polyps disappear without treatment?
Small polyps may respond to medications, especially steroid nasal sprays. Larger polyps usually require further evaluation and may need surgery if symptoms persist.
4.Are nasal polyps cancerous?
No. Most nasal polyps are benign (non-cancerous). However, if a growth is present only on one side or appears unusual, further evaluation is important to exclude other conditions.
5.Can nasal polyps come back after surgery?
Yes. Nasal polyps can recur, especially in people with chronic inflammation or allergies. Regular follow-up and prescribed medications help reduce the risk of recurrence.
6.Will removing nasal polyps improve my sense of smell?
Many patients experience improvement in their sense of smell after successful treatment, although recovery depends on the duration and severity of the condition.
7.What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)?
FESS is a minimally invasive procedure performed through the nostrils using an endoscope to remove nasal polyps and improve sinus drainage, without any external scar.
8.When should I consult an ENT specialist for nasal polyps?
You should seek medical advice if you have persistent nose blockage, recurrent sinus infections, reduced sense of smell, difficulty breathing through the nose, or symptoms that do not improve with medications.