Nasal polyps (masses or pellets in the nose): what they are, symptoms and treatment
The nasal polyps they are masses or formations similar to bags or bags of whitish color, pale and translucent that appear in the paranasal sinuses. They are benign masses, are formed by inflammatory tissue and can appear in any area of the lining of the paranasal sinuses.
It is common to appear in the area of the nasal cavity where the sinuses open. It is in fact a very common condition in men, not so much in women, and that very rarely occurs or affects the young population.
In fact, the polyps its about abnormal growths of tissue, which in most cases tend to be totally benign. Moreover, unlike what is mistakenly thought, the reality is that they are not related to cancerous lesions. Although, it must be said, there is a low probability that it can turn into cancer, which is why many doctors advise to remove them to ensure that they will not produce supposed damages in the future.
In any case, nasal polyps usually appear as a result of repeated episodes of inflammation and irritation in the nose as a result of suffering from chronic sinusitis, constant colds, allergies, asthma, infections.
More often, nasal polyps affect people suffering from bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and those who suffer from an intolerance to aspirin.
When they are small they do not usually present problems, although sometimes the specialist, in this case the otolaryngologist, will perform an examination of the polyps even if they are small with a device called a rhinofibrolaryngoscope. This study is completed with a CAT scan, this test is done to check that the polyps are not inside the paranasal sinuses.
When the nasal polyps are larger, they can block the sinuses and cause sinus infection (sinusitis).
What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?
Sensation of constant cold, blocked nose, difficulty breathing, sneezing, increased secretion of nasal mucus (rhinorrhea), loss of sense of taste, loss of sense of smell, snoring, headaches, sinusitis.
With the presence of nasal polyps and having a blocked nose, we do not breathe well through the nose, by doing so through the mouth we are exposed to throat infections and bronchitis, this is also due to one of the important functions of the nose It is the cleaning and heating of the air that we inspire.
If we notice some of the symptoms that we have previously mentioned, we should go to the specialist to make the appropriate review and observation of the nasal passages in case we had nasal polyps.
And his medical treatment?
The treatment, whether small or large polyps, is focused on its elimination. In the case of small polyps, specialists usually prescribe drops or sprays that contain corticosteroids and antihistamines or cortisone pills, nasal steroid aerosols, in order to reduce inflammation and eliminate them.
In some cases when the polyps do not disappear with the treatment or are large, it is necessary to resort to surgery to remove them.
The surgery to remove the nasal polyps is done with an endoscope that is introduced into the nasal passages, the endoscope is provided with a thin tube with light and that has instruments at the ends to eliminate and fragment the masses or they are also removed with laser.
Once the nasal polyps are removed or removed, to prevent them from coming back we must follow a series of recommendations that the specialist will prescribe directed especially to the care of the nose in a special way with aerosols or sprays with corticosteroids.
When the nasal polyps disappear we recover quality of life, we will notice how headaches diminish, our breathing improves, the sensation of constant cold and infections.
There are times when, although the nasal polyps have been removed, they may develop again. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
