Nasal Polyps Overview and Management

Nasal Polyps

• Nasal polyps are painless, benign growths in the nasal passages and sinuses.
• They typically develop in adults (30s-40s).
• Common causes include asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, cystic fibrosis, and repeated sinus infections.
• Polyps form from inflamed mucous membranes, leading to swelling, redness, and fluid buildup.
• Researchers link allergic reactions and infections as causes for the inflammation leading to polyps.

Nasal Polyp Symptoms

• Small polyps may not produce symptoms.
• Larger polyps can cause headaches, loss of smell/taste, congestion, nasal drainage, nosebleeds, postnasal drip, facial/sinus pressure, and snoring.

Nasal Polyp Diagnosis

• Healthcare providers can use a nasal endoscope (flexible scope with a camera, and light) to view inside the nose.
• CT scans may be ordered to obtain detailed images of the sinuses.

Nasal Polyp Treatment

• Steroid nasal sprays can help shrink polyps.
• Oral or injected steroid treatment is also available.
• Outpatient surgery may be needed to place stents to prop open the nasal passages and deliver medication, or to remove polyps.

Nasal Turbinate Hypertrophy

• Nasal turbinates are the structures within the nose that warm and moisten the air.
• Turbinate hypertrophy occurs when the turbinates become enlarged, blocking airflow.
• Causes include chronic sinus inflammation, environmental irritants, seasonal allergies, and bone/soft tissue swelling.
• Symptoms include difficulty breathing, dry mouth upon waking (mouth breathing due to nasal obstruction), altered sense of smell, forehead pressure, mild facial pain, prolonged nasal congestion, runny nose, snoring.

Nasal Turbinate Hypertrophy Treatment

• Dust and pet dander removal from the home.
• Vacuuming of fabrics and furniture.
• Covering furniture with fabric.
• Placing toys in freezer bags for 24 hours to kill dust mites.
• Placing a dust-proof cover over mattresses to limit dust mites.

Nasal Obstruction or Congestion Causes

• Deviated nasal septum.
• Enlarged turbinates.
• Nasal polyps.
• Enlarged adenoids.
• Tumors.
• Nasal congestion itself.

Nasal Obstruction/Congestion Treatment

• Medications to reduce seasonal allergies (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine).
• Oral decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine).
• Temporary nasal decongestants are sometimes used to relieve congestion, but long-term use can lead to bleeding and ineffectiveness.

Nasal Obstruction/Congestion Risks Associated with Sleep

• Nasal obstruction can lead to snoring, impaired sleep, and sleep-disordered breathing, often from nasal stuffiness or collapsed nostrils.
• Risks include fatigue, decreased productivity, increased risk of accidents, depressive symptoms or mood changes, and negative impacts on quality of life.

This quiz covers the essential information about nasal polyps, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. It focuses on understanding how these benign growths affect adults and the various medical approaches to manage them effectively.