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What are nasal
polyps?
The 'para-nasal sinuses' are the air cavities within the skull that open
into the nose. If the soft tissue lining of the sinuses becomes swollen,
it fills the available space and can then expand into the nose forming
a growth called a polyp. As there are a number of small sinuses between
the eye and the nose, when polyps do occur, there will usually be several
of them.
What causes nasal polyps?
The cause of nasal polyps is not well understood. Some believe that they
result from an allergy to things in the atmosphere, while others believe
that they are caused by a sinus infection.
What symptoms
do they cause?
Polyps block the nose. Large polyps can prevent nasal breathing, forcing
the individual to breathe through their mouth. They also cause reduced
sense of smell. Occasionally, they swell so much that they emerge from
the nostril.
When should you seek medical attention?
There are a number of more common causes of nasal obstruction, including
a deviated nasal septum and inflammation of the nasal lining (rhinitis).
If you have a severely blocked nose, you should see your doctor. Inspection
of the nose will reveal the presence of polyps. Your doctor will usually
refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if polyps are seen.
Does medical treatment help?
Nasal sprays and drops containing corticosteroids can shrink the polyps
in some cases. A single small polyp is occasionally cured by this type
of treatment. Corticosteroid tablets have a similar effect, but can only
be used as a short course because of the side effects they can cause.
They may be required initially to shrink larger polyps.
How polyps are usually treated?
The most effective treatment for nasal blockage due to polyps is surgical
removal. Most specialists will arrange an X-ray called a CT scan to show
the extent of polyp tissue in the sinuses and the layout of the bony partitions
between the sinuses, the orbit (the bone around the eye) and the interior
of the skull. Removal is generally carried out using a telescope (endoscope)
to look inside the nose. In some cases the polyps are simply cleared from
the nose itself. In other cases, polyp tissue is also removed from the
sinuses.
Are there
any risks associated with polyp surgery?
There is the risk of bleeding from the nose or a black eye due to damage
to the wall between the noses. If the sinuses are cleared as well as the
nose, there is a risk of the surgeon's instruments entering surrounding
areas. Within the orbit, the eye and its muscles are at risk of damage.
Entering the interior of the skull causes a leakage of fluid from around
the brain (CSF leak). These complications are uncommon and can usually
be avoided by having a CT scan available at the time of surgery.
Do polyps grow again?
Unfortunately, removing nasal polyps does not always prevent them from
growing back. They may return a number of years after surgery. Surgical
removal can be repeated if necessary. Using a steroid nasal spray on a
regular basis can sometimes prevent recurrence of polyps, and should also
be seen as the first line of treatment, in the hope of avoiding surgery
at all.
Source: The Daily New-Age dated October 27, 2004
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