What is it about ?
Nasal polyps (nasal polyps) are mild swellings in the nose, associated with inflammation, so that you have a constant stuffy nose.
Nasal polyps develop both in the nasal cavity and in the sinuses that open into the nasal cavities. We do not know precisely the mechanism of appearance of polyps. The condition is more common in people who are hypersensitive to aspirin and in people with asthma.
Where and how often?
Approximately 1 in 25 people develop nasal polyps. They affect approximately 1 in 10 asthmatics, and more than 1 in 2 people who are sensitive to aspirin.
How to recognize them?
The main symptom is the feeling of having a stuffy nose all the time. Other symptoms include headache, talking through the nose, loss of smell, snoring, and trouble sleeping.
How is the diagnosis made?
The description of your complaints will allow the general practitioner to suspect the presence of nasal polyps. He will also ask you questions about possible hypersensitivity to aspirin and other possible allergies. They will inspect your nose, sometimes after applying a nasal spray to it. If he is in doubt or to better assess the problem, he may refer you to the otolaryngologist (ENT).
What can your doctor do?
Corticosteroids are the only drugs that can improve the situation. We start with a course of several weeks with a nasal spray. If the cure does not provide sufficient improvement, the next step is to take corticosteroid therapy in tablet form.
The next option is to surgically remove (ablate) the polyps. It is an otolaryngologist (ENT) who must perform this intervention.
Want to know more?
- Corticosteroids for nasal use – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Corticosteroids – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
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