Improve Your Breathing by Eliminating Nasal Polyps

While anyone can develop nasal polyps, you are at a higher risk if you have been diagnosed with:

• Allergies

• Hay fever
• Chronic sinus infection 

• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis

• Sensitivity to aspirin

Many of these issues can cause polyps to develop because of inflammation and irritation in the sinus tissue.

Signs and Symptoms

Because the size of polyps can range drastically, side effects will vary from patient to patient. These growths can also be easily confused with other ear, nose, and throat diseases, such as a sinus infection and cold, which is why it is important to visit a specialist when side effects persist longer than two months. Common symptoms to be aware of include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Loss of taste and smell
• Chronic stuffy nose
• Headaches

In some cases, an examination with special lighted instruments is all we need to diagnose your condition. For other patients, we can use endoscopic techniques to examine the sinuses and nasal passageways for polyps.

Our doctors at Chesapeake Ear Nose & Throat offer a variety of treatments, including medication or surgical treatments based on the severity of your case. 

Treating Nasal Polyps

Our doctors at Chesapeake Ear Nose & Throat offer a variety of treatments, including medication or surgical treatments based on the severity of your case.

Treatment options include:

• Nasal Sprays: Prescription nasal sprays can reduce the size of smaller polyps and help open blocked nasal passages, minimizing a stuffy and runny nose. Because symptoms typically return once treatment is stopped, these options are often viewed as a temporary solution or an option to maintain your condition.
• Corticosteroids: This prescription medication can also reduce the size of polyps, while also clearing congestion and inflammation within the nasal passageways. Results generally last two to three months.
• Decongestants, Antihistamines, and Antibiotics: These medications are used to clear a sinus infection and prevent nasal polyps from returning, but cannot shrink polyps.
• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: For larger reoccurring polyps, the doctor will insert a small, lighted camera through your nostrils to access the polyps within the nasal cavity. If necessary, we can expand your passageways and sinuses with a balloon in order to remove the polyps and create more space for sinus drainage. Because no incisions or tissue removal is required with this method, patients can have a much quicker recovery compared to traditional sinus surgery.

Improve Your Breathing

Contact us online or at call our office at (410) 356-2626 to schedule your consultation if you are unable to breath through your nose. Although nasal polyps may not be the cause, your doctor can diagnose the best form of treatment to help bring relief.