Polyps Specialist
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft growths that sometimes develop inside your nasal and sinus cavities. Polyps are noncancerous and usually painless, but they can interfere with your breathing and smell and make you more likely to get sinus infections.
Not all nasal polyps need treatment. If your polyps are causing sinus or breathing problems, Beach Cities ENTS can help you explore your options. Prescription medications or surgery may help eliminate these troublesome growths.
What causes nasal polyps?
Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause, but there is often a link between polyps and chronic sinus inflammation. Some people with asthma or allergies eventually develop nasal polyps. Chronic sinusitis can also increase your risk of polyps.
At Beach Cities ENTS, you can receive an in-depth evaluation. Your provider examines your nose and sinuses and determines whether you're at risk for polyps. If you have nasal polyps, your Beach Cities ENTS provider will help determine the cause and develop a customized plan for treatment.
What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?
Small polyps often go unnoticed, but larger polyps can block your nasal passages and cause discomfort. Symptoms can include:
Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Post-nasal drip
Decreased sense of smell
Loss of taste
Facial pain or pressure
Headache
Tooth pain
Large polyps may also interfere with your breathing. These symptoms can be especially noticeable when you're asleep. People with large polyps often snore, and some may suffer from sleep apnea.
How are nasal polyps treated?
If you're having breathing problems or stubborn congestion, the Beach Cities ENTS team may perform a simple, non-invasive procedure called nasal endoscopy to get a detailed, up-close look at the inside of your nose and nasal passages. This procedure takes no more than a few seconds and is extremely low-risk. Your doctor may also order a CT scan. CT scans can help your provider learn what's causing your symptoms. If you have polyps, your CT scan also reveals their size and location.
Smaller polyps sometimes respond to prescription medication. Your provider might suggest oral pills or nasal steroid sprays. These medications help control inflammation and shrink polyps over time. At-home treatments like saline rinses and humidifiers can also provide symptom relief.
If you have large polyps, or if your polyps don't respond to medication, you may need surgery. Polypectomy, or polyp removal, is generally a simple outpatient procedure.
It leaves no visible scars and carries few risks. Most patients can go home the day of their procedure and return to their normal activities within two weeks.
Beach Cities ENTS' surgeons are board-certified and can help you choose the procedure that's right for you.
For expert nasal polyps care, call Beach Cities ENTS today or schedule an appointment online.