Nasal Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment PDF

# Nasal Polyps ## What are Nasal Polyps? - Painless and benign growths - Found in nasal passages and sinuses - Form from mucous membranes - Can become irritated and swollen, partially blocking nasal passages and sinuses ## When do Nasal Polyps Develop? - Usually develop during adulthood, often in...

# Nasal Polyps ## What are Nasal Polyps? - Painless and benign growths - Found in nasal passages and sinuses - Form from mucous membranes - Can become irritated and swollen, partially blocking nasal passages and sinuses ## When do Nasal Polyps Develop? - Usually develop during adulthood, often in the 30s or 40s - Linked to inflammation in the nose, including: - Asthma - Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) - Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) - Cystic fibrosis - Repeat sinus infections ## Causes of Nasal Polyps - Develop when the mucous membranes lining the nose or sinuses change - Membranes become inflamed for a long time or repeatedly - Inflammation features swelling, redness, and fluid buildup - Possible causes: - Allergies - Infections ## Symptoms of Nasal Polyps - Small polyps may not cause any symptoms - As they grow, they can cause: - Headaches - Loss of smell or taste - Nasal congestion - Nasal drainage - Nosebleeds - Postnasal Drip - Pressure or pain in the sinuses, face or top teeth - Snoring ## Symptoms of Larger Nasal Polyps - Block nasal passages and sinuses, leading to: - Frequent asthma attacks - Repeated sinus infections - Sleep apnea or other trouble sleeping - Trouble breathing, even in people who don't have asthma ## Diagnosis of Nasal Polyps - Healthcare providers may: - Ask about your health history, especially allergies, infections and asthma - Ask about your symptoms and how long you've had them. - Look inside your nose with a nasal endoscope - Order a CT scan to take detailed pictures inside your sinuses. ## How are Nasal Obstructions Treated? - Not all patients can be cured of nasal polyps - Treatments help to shrink polyps and improve symptoms: - Steroid sprays - Oral steroids - Injections - Outpatient surgery - Outpatient surgery using endoscopy ## Preventing Nasal Polyps - Not everyone can prevent nasal polyps - Strategies to help yourself: - Follow doctor’s instructions on taking allergy and asthma medications - Avoid breathing airborne allergens or irritants - Practice good hygiene - Use a humidifier - Use a saline nasal rinse - Refrain from smoking # Nasal Turbinates ## What are Nasal Turbinates? - Long, narrow passageways that help warm and moisten the air that flows through the nose - Also called Nasal Conchae - Can block airflow if too large ## Turbinate Hypertrophy - Blocked airflow - Cause: breathing problems, frequent infections and nosebleeds ## Symptoms of Turbinate Hypertrophy - Harder to breathe through the nose - Altered sense of smell - Dry mouth upon awakening - Forehead pressure - Mild facial pain - Prolonged nasal congestion - Runny nose - Snoring ## Causes of Turbinate Hypertrophy - Acute or chronic - Common causes: - Chronic sinus inflammation - Environmental irritants - Seasonal allergies ## Treatments for Turbinate Hypertrophy - Remove excess dust and pet dander from the home - Vacuum carpets, pillows, drapes, and furniture - Place fabric-covered toys in the freezer - Protect your mattress from dust mites - Refrain from smoking # Nasal Obstruction ## What is Nasal Obstruction? - Caused by: - Deviated nasal septum - Enlarged turbinates - Nasal polyps - Enlarged adenoids - Tumors - Nasal congestions - Anything that hinders airflow in and out of the nose ## Causes of Nasal Obstruction or Congestion - Temporary causes: - Chronic sinusitis - Allergic rhinitis - Environmental irritants (smoke or dust) - Sinus infection - Cold or flu - Certain medications (high blood pressure medicine) ## Some Common Anatomical Factors that Contribute to Nasal Obstruction or Congestion - Deviated nasal septum - Enlarged turbinates - Nasal polyps - Enlarged adenoids - Nasal tumors ## Other Risks of Impaired Sleep Due to Nasal Congestion - Fatigue - Decrease in productivity - Increased risk of accidents - Depression - Negatively affected quality of life ## How Nasal Obstruction or Congestion Affects Sleep - Significant contributor to: - Snoring - Impaired sleep - Sleep-disordered breathing - Nasal-based snoring is typically caused by: - Nasal stuffiness - Small or collapsing nostrils ## Treatment for Nasal Obstruction and Congestion - Treatments can help you: - Breathe easier - Enjoy everyday activities - Achieve quality sleep - Knowing the cause will determine the best treatment for you ## Medications and At-Home Treatments for Nasal Obstruction - Medications to reduce seasonal allergies: - Cetirizine (Zyrtec) - Loratadine (Claritin, Allegra) - Oral decongestants: - Pseudoephedrine - Phenylephrine ## Notes About Medications - Nasal decongestants can affect blood pressure and should be avoided by people with blood pressure problems - Temporary use is better than regular use because regular use can result in bleeding and ineffectiveness over time - Nasal obstruction is usually caused by either swelling of the nasal tissue or an anatomical blockage - Nasal obstruction and can lead to sleeping disorders, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea - Otolaryngologist, especially at Fort Worth ENT & Sinus, are nasal obstruction specialists ## What is a Nasal Obstruction Specialist? - Specialists provide at-home treatments, in-office treatments, and surgical treatments.