How Serious is a Nasal Polyp?

Understanding Nasal Polyps: How Serious Are They?

Several people experience occasional nasal congestion, mild sinus pressure, or a reduced sense of smell. These symptoms are often dismissed as minor seasonal allergies or the common cold. However, in some individuals, these recurring problems may be caused by nasal polyps, which are small, non-cancerous growths in the nasal or sinus lining. 

While most nasal polyps are benign, they can rarely be associated with malignant conditions (e.g., inverted papilloma or sinonasal tumors). Nasal polyps can cause serious discomfort, affect breathing, and signal underlying chronic conditions that require medical attention. Read below to understand nasal polyps, their potential complications, and the appropriate treatment options to effectively manage your health.

What Makes Nasal Polyps a Serious Concern?

Although nasal polyps might initially appear as harmless tissue overgrowths, they can significantly impact health in the following ways:

1. Chronic Nasal Obstruction : One of the most immediate issues caused by nasal polyps is difficulty breathing through the nose. Individuals may feel as though they have a constant cold. Over time, this congestion becomes chronic and can interfere with daily activities, including sleep.
2. Loss of Smell and Taste : Polyps can damage the olfactory nerves or obstruct airflow to the smell receptors. Many individuals experience a reduced or complete loss of smell, which can also impair their sense of taste, diminishing the ability to detect surrounding dangers (such as smoke or gas leaks).
3. Recurring Infections : The polyps block normal sinus drainage, creating a moist environment conducive to bacterial and fungal infections. These infections may become chronic and result in sinusitis requiring long-term antibiotics or surgery.
4. Asthma Exacerbation : People with nasal polyps frequently have coexisting asthma. The chronic inflammation in the nasal passages can extend to the lower airways, worsening asthma symptoms and causing more frequent and severe attacks that are harder to control with standard asthma treatments.
5. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) : Large or multiple nasal polyps can obstruct airflow during sleep, worsening obstructive sleep apnoea. This causes repeated breathing interruptions, loud snoring, and poor sleep quality, which may lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
6. Potential for Recurrence : Nasal polyps often recur even after effective treatment with medication or surgery, especially if underlying causes like allergies, asthma, or aspirin sensitivity are not addressed. Ongoing care, lifestyle adjustments, and regular medical follow-up are essential to prevent regrowth and maintain nasal function.

How Do You Treat Nasal Polyps in the Nose?

Treatment for nasal polyps usually focuses on reducing the size of the polyps or eliminating them entirely, as well as treating the inflammation that causes them. These include:

1. Medications

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays (like fluticasone or mometasone) are often the first line of treatment. They reduce inflammation and shrink polyps.
• Oral corticosteroids like prednisone may be prescribed for more severe cases, though they are typically used short-term due to potential side effects.
• Antihistamines can help if allergies are a contributing factor.
• Leukotriene modifiers, like montelukast, can help reduce inflammation in certain patients.
• Biologic medications (such as dupilumab) are a newer option for individuals with severe or recurring polyps that do not respond to other treatments.

2. Antibiotics

If a secondary bacterial infection is present, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics. These will not treat the polyps directly but will manage associated infections.

3. Treatment of Underlying Conditions

Managing asthma, allergies, or fungal sinusitis is crucial in preventing the recurrence of polyps. Long-term management plans are often required.

4. Allergy Testing and Immunotherapy

For individuals with underlying allergies, allergy testing and possible immunotherapy may help reduce inflammation and recurrence.

How Do You Clear a Polyp in Your Nose?

When medications are ineffective, surgical removal becomes necessary. The primary methods include:

1. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

This is the most common procedure to remove nasal polyps. A thin tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the nostrils. The surgeon removes the polyps and clears out the sinuses to restore normal airflow and drainage. This procedure is minimally invasive and performed under local or general anaesthesia.

2. Polypectomy

In some cases, a simpler procedure called a polypectomy may be performed in an outpatient setting. This is suitable for smaller, easily accessible polyps.

3. Post-Surgical Care

• Saline rinses help keep the nasal passage clear and promote recovery.
• Regular use of corticosteroid sprays may prevent recurrence.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor recovery and detect early signs of recurrence.

4. Lifestyle and Home Management

• Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist.
• Avoid exposure to irritants like smoke, dust, and strong odours.
• Practice nasal irrigation using saline sprays or a neti pot to reduce congestion and improve breathing.
• Remove potential allergy triggers in your home, especially carpets and bedding, to reduce environmental irritants.

While nasal polyps are benign, the symptoms and complications they can cause should not be underestimated. From breathing difficulties to recurring infections and sleep disorders, these growths can disrupt your day-to-day life and lead to long-term health issues if left untreated.

Early diagnosis and treatment make all the difference. If you experience symptoms like persistent nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, or recurring sinus infections, consult a healthcare provider. It is also advised to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical times.

At Star Health, we offer comprehensive coverage for asthma-related treatments for breathing difficulties under our Star Health Assure Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.