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Beating Nasal Polyps
 

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Beating Nasal Polyps

Beating nasal polyps has never been this easy!!!

Nasal polyps are those soft abnormal growths or tumor emanating from the sinuses cavities on the surface of the nasal mucosa. Nasal polyps usually develop on the surface of ethmoid sinuses, just in the roof of the nose and grow into the open areas. A polyp may develop singularly or in clusters, and when grown enough, they are visible in the nostrils.

Polyps can be very painful and may cause an obstruction and heaviness in the nose. Some people even use their mouth to breathe instead of using the nose because their polyps have blocked there nasal passages. Mouth-breathing often causes sore throats. This is why a sore throat is also a symptom of nasal polyps.

Polyps are resultant from processes of various infections in the sinus and nasal cavities. Most cases of polyps development are associated with certain health conditions that are virally or bacterially transmitted such as hayfever, asthma and sinus infection.

 

What are symptoms of nasal polyps?

 

Symptoms of nasal polyps include:

  • Long-term nasal congestion
  • Distorted sense of smell
  • A runny nose
  • Chronic sinus infections
  • Headaches
  • Snoring

When polyps obstruct the nasal cavity, mucus is unable to drain properly.

 

How can I treat nasal polyps?

 

The best treatment option available for nasal polyps is treating allergic rhinitis and any other nasal disorders since polyps often develop after several nasal disorders.

The following are things that should be avoided:

  • Avoid all medication that contain aspirin
  • Avoid over-the-counter nasal sprays. Nasal sprays are addictive and may only worsen your sinus infection.
  • Treat allergens that cause nasal disorders like:

Although many physicians may prefer surgical removal of the polyp, it is still advisable to visit your physician for a check up. Surgery, such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), may be necessary in some cases. After surgical removal of polyps, around 50% of people experience re-growth of their nasal polyps.

If polyps are surgically removed, chances of recurrence are twice as likely than if other treatment options are followed.

 

How dangerous are nasal polyps?

 

Although nasal polyps can rarely become cancerous, they can be problematic to one's breathing capability. Polyps can develop in both nostrils impairing your breathing. Most people find themselves succumbing to mouth-breathing, which may further cause a sore throat.

However, a greatest risk is to have your polyp surgically removed since it's more likely to recur. Polyps can also cause a distorted sense of smell (dysosmia) or rarely results in total loss of sense of smell (anosmia).