Sinusitis Polyps: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Posted: Dec 16, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

Trying to get to the cause of your sinusitis? Getting to the cause is one of the most effective ways to treat the condition, especially in cases of chronic sinus flare-ups. One of the possible causes of such chronic problems is the blockage of the nasal passages due to nasal polyps. To help you out, here is more info on these sinusitis polyps.

What is a Nasal Polyp?

These polyps are growths of inflamed nasal tissue. They can grow inside the passages connecting the different parts of the nose and the sinuses. Although people can actually have them without suffering from any adverse effects, some growths can get large enough to start blocking the connections which are typically narrow. Most of the growths develop near the ethmoid sinuses which are located somewhere in the middle of the nose, in between the eyes.

What Causes These Growths?

Here are some of the possible causes and risk factors (things that will increase the risk of you developing the growths) according to the Mayo Clinic:

-          Aspirin Sensitivity

-          Asthma

-          Chronic sinusitis

-          Cystic fibrosis

-          Hay fever or Allergic Rhinitis

How Can I tell if I have the Growths?

Again, you don't have to worry about every growth. Some are too small to cause problems. The growths that cause blockages can present cold–like symptoms including a feeling of congestion (which leads to you using your mouth to breathe), an impairment of your ability to taste or smell, and your basic runny nose.

As these symptoms are very similar to the common cold, you should get examined before you jump to any conclusions. If you are suffering from chronic sinus flare-ups and have these symptoms, you and your doctor should perform tests to rule this out.

What Tests and Examinations Should be Used?

Direct examination of your nasal passages can reveal this condition. This is usually done through an endoscope, a special device with a camera and a light that goes into your nose to let your doctor see inside.

Sometimes, a CT or computed tomography scan is employed to confirm the case. The particularly large growths should show up as gray blobs in the scan image.

What do I do?

Your diagnosis is very important to get to the cause of the growths so be invest in an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes the growths can be shrunk through medications. If they can be reduced in size, most of the time you won't have to worry about them causing flare ups. However, know that usually the growths come back after the meds are stopped. Meds used would include corticosteroids and nasal sprays. Antibiotics can also be prescribed if bacterial infections are present… again it is important to determine what you actually have through your diagnosis. Improper use of meds can further weaken your body.

In some cases, surgery may be suggested but again you have to be sure of the reason why. Also, there is sometimes no guarantee that the sinusitis polyps can be removed permanently, even with surgery. They often come back after some time.

If you suffer from this condition and the chronic sinus problems it causes, you can employ some of the basic techniques in dealing with the chronic sinus flare ups: neti pots and irrigation, steam inhalation, and drinking plenty of fluids.

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