What are polyps in the nose and how are they treated?

Polyps in the nose are also called nasalNasal polyps / Mayo Clinic. These are soft and painless benign growths on the nasal mucosa that hang in small drops or resemble bunches of grapes. They appear more often in adults and very rarely in children.

Polyps in the nose are not fatal, but they can lead to complications.

Why do nasal polyps appear?

Nobody knowsNasal polyps / Mayo Clinic exact reasons. But polyps usually develop against a background of chronic inflammation. And some factors increaseNasal polyps / U.S. National Library of Medicine the risk of their appearance:

• Hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid.
• Asthma. In this case, the airways become inflamed and narrowed.
• Chronic sinus infections, such as sinusitis.
• Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a seasonal allergy to pollen.
• Cystic fibrosis, or cystic fibrosis, is a genetic disorder in which a lot of mucus is produced in the lungs and pancreas.
• Vitamin D deficiency.

What are the symptoms of nasal polyps

If the neoplasms are small, then signs of pathology canNasal polyps / U.S. National Library of Medicine and not to be. But when there are many polyps or one large one grows, the sinuses are blocked. This increasesNasal polyps / NHS the risk of infectious inflammation, or sinusitis.

Usually, a person who has polyps in his nose thinks it is a cold. The symptoms are very similarNasal polyps / NHS:

• Nasal congestion.
• Runny nose.
• Constant need to swallow due to mucus in the throat.
• Decreased sense of smell and taste.
• SneezingNasal polyps / U.S. National Library of Medicine.
• Headache.
• Bleeding from the nose.
• Snoring in a dream.

Why are polyps in the nose dangerous?

They canNasal polyps / Mayo Clinic lead to the development of such complications:

• Obstructive apnea in a dream. This is a condition in which a person stops breathing for a while.
• Chronic sinusitis. Due to polyps, a person becomes more susceptible to various pathogenic microorganisms.
• Exacerbation of bronchial asthma. In chronic sinusitis, the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract is maintained in a person, therefore asthma attacks occur.

How are polyps in the nose diagnosed?

A doctor can make a diagnosis based on symptoms and simply by examining the nose with a lighted metal tube. But in some cases, the doctor will prescribe additional research.Nasal polyps / Mayo Clinic:

• Nasal endoscopy. Using a special narrow tube with a magnifying lens or video camera (endoscope), the doctor examines the sinuses in detail.
• CT scan. It allows you to determine the exact size and location of polyps in the sinuses, the degree of inflammation and swelling.
• Allergy tests. Usually these are skin tests, when the allergen is applied to the hand, and in some cases, a blood test for antibodies.
• Analysis for cystic fibrosis. Sweat is examined for salt content. Children are diagnosed, since if a genetic pathology is not detected at an early age, a person runs the risk of not living to maturity.
• Analysis on vitamin D. It is often not enough in people with nasal polyps.

How are polyps in the nose treated?

Lor will try to reduce the size of the polyps, and if this does not help, he will offer an operation.

With the help of medicines

Usually, they begin the treatment of nasal polyps. Doctor prescribesNasal polyps / Mayo Clinic any of the following groups of drugs:

• Corticosteroids. These are hormonal medications that reduce swelling and irritation in the nose. At first they are used in the form of a spray, and if it does not help, then they switch to pills or injections. But corticosteroids are dangerous and can cause many side reactions, so they cannot be used for a long time.
• Medicines based on monoclonal antibodies. These medications help the immune system fight inflammation, which can help reduce the size of polyps and clear up nasal congestion.
• Antihistamines. Use if nasal polyps are associated with allergies.
• Antibiotics. Essential for infectious complications.

Using the operation

Surgical treatment is necessaryNasal polyps / Mayo Clinicif medications don't work. Polyps are removed during nasal endoscopy using tiny instruments. After surgery, your doctor may prescribe salt water gargles to speed healing and corticosteroids to prevent new polyps from forming.

How to reduce the risk of nasal polyps

Mayo Clinic specialists give such recommendationsNasal polyps / Mayo Clinic:

• If you have allergies or asthma, control your symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Avoid irritating nasal mucosa. Try to stay away from dust, smoke, allergens and chemical fumes.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly to protect against bacterial and viral infections.
• Humidify the air. This will make breathing easier and prevent inflammation and blockage of the airways. The easiest way is to buy a humidifier. Just remember to clean the device so that bacteria do not grow in it. If you want to save money, you can get by with improvised means.
• Clean your nose with saline spray or rinsing solution. This will remove mucus and allergens from your nasal passages.