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What Causes Polyps in the Nose?

The actual cause of nasal polyps is thought to be allergies and mucous buildup in the sinuses, though there are other potential causes out there as well. In essence, polyps are masses from the mucous membranes in the nose. There are typically two kinds: antrochoanal (from the maxillary sinuses; typically single and unilateral; typically found in children) and ethmoidal polyps (from the ethmoidal sinuses; typically multiple and bilateral; more often found in adults). Symptoms of nasal polyps can include nasal congestion and sinusitis or a headache. A Midtown Manhattan ENT specialist will often treat polyps with steroids or topical creams, but surgically removing nasal polyps is also an option.

Normally, a surgery to remove polyps in the nose will take around an hour. It’s a minimally invasive, routine procedure that is done using endoscopic tools under general or local anesthesia. As simple as the surgery is, a full recovery time can last between one and three weeks. There is little to do to prepare for the surgery and a nasal polyps doctor will monitor you closely afterwards to ensure you are recovering well. One thing a Midtown Manhattan ENT specialist will recommend after the surgery is a sinus rinse, which will help you clear the sinuses out in an effort to keep polyps in the nose from coming back.

Removing nasal polyps surgically depends on the size of the polyp, but can usually be done as an outpatient procedure. Larger polyps will be taken out using endoscopic tools while smaller polyps will be taken out through a small suction or a microdebrider. One thing to keep in mind is that even the best nasal polyps treatment doesn’t guarantee they won’t reappear. The underlying condition needs to be treated as well.

Schedule a consultation appointment

If you think you are suffering from symptoms of nasal polyps or an associated condition (including asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, or cystic fibrosis), it's important that you make an appointment with a Midtown Manhattan ENT specialist to figure out what to do. You may not even be aware at first that you have nasal polyps in the nose. In fact, a Midtown Manhattan ENT doctor is typically informing patients of the presence of polyps when they are at an appointment for other related symptoms.

If you find yourself having a constant nasal obstruction, postnasal drip, difficulties breathing or smelling, and facial pressure, your first instinct may be that you have a cold or a sinus infection. However, nasal polyps might actually be behind your discomfort and indicative of a different condition. Make an appointment to get a definitive diagnosis. It’s the first step to treating your ailment.