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How To Know If You Have Sinus Polyps

Complications Of Nasal Polyps

Learning About Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps can block your airflow and keep fluids like mucus from draining properly. They also cause lots of irritation and inflammation while theyre forming. All of those things can bring complications, including:

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When Is Surgery Considered For Nasal Polyps

If you have nasal polyps with symptoms that have not responded to other therapies, a nasal polypectomy may be considered to remove the polyps.

Before surgery, a computerized tomography scan of your head is typically performed to determine the extent and locations of polyps in your nasal passages and sinus cavities.

A nasal polypectomy should not be performed if you do not exhibit symptoms or if medications can control your symptoms.

Contraindications for this type of surgery include:

  • Cardiac disease

These complications generally can be treated effectively, without lasting consequences.

You can have minor, limited bleeding at home after your surgery, and it typically resolves quickly. Your healthcare provider may tell you to contact their office during daytime business hours if bleeding occurs.

Uncontrolled bleeding is a medical emergency. You should seek emergency care if you experience heavy bleeding or bleeding that wont stop.

Severe complications that may occur include eye, nasofrontal duct stenosis, and orbital problems.

You should get immediate medical attention for any severe headaches or vision problems.

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Help For Nasal Polyps

Before recommending a specific course of treatment, your Jacksonville ENT Surgery provider evaluates your symptoms and medical history, then conducts a physical exam to accurately diagnose your condition.

To confirm a diagnosis of nasal polyps and to pinpoint their size and location, your provider may order additional diagnostic imaging or other testing, including a CT scan, MRI, and nasal endoscopy, with or without biopsy.

Based on your unique presentation, your provider creates a personalized nasal polyp treatment plan that may include one or more different treatment modalities, including:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Allergy immunotherapy
  • Balloon sinuplasty

In some cases, your Jacksonville ENT Surgery provider may recommend a surgical procedure or implant as the best treatment to meet your needs.

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Other Remedies For Symptom Relief

Staying hydrated can help thin mucus to ease congestion.

Drinking hot liquids such as tea and broth may help relieve your symptoms. Breathing in moist air may also help relieve the discomfort that comes with nasal congestion. Try breathing in steam from the shower, a bowl of hot water, or a mug of tea.

If your voice is hoarse, rest it by avoiding yelling, whispering, and singing.

Placing a warm compress over the inflamed area can help reduce pressure and provide relief.

damages the natural protective elements of your nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory system.

If you smoke, consider quitting. Ask a doctor if you need help or are interested in quitting. Quitting may help prevent future episodes of both acute and chronic sinusitis.

Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu seasons, to keep your sinuses from becoming irritated or infected by viruses or bacteria on your hands.

Using a humidifier during the cooler, dryer months may also help prevent sinus infections.

Talk with a doctor to see if allergies are causing your sinusitis. If youre allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you will likely need to treat your allergies to relieve your sinus infection.

You may need to seek an allergy specialist to determine the cause of the allergy. The specialist may suggest:

Keeping your allergies under control can help prevent repeated episodes of sinusitis.

About South Florida Sinus & Allergy Center

BSR ENT and Eye Hospitals Hyderabad or Secunderabad

South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center provides comprehensive testing and treatment of sinus and nasal allergies, as well as sleep and snoring-related conditions. Its team of medical specialists stays on the cutting-edge of technology and technique to consistently provide long-term sinonasal, sleep and snoring relief through individualized care. The Centers treat many patients seeking second and third opinions as well as those who have undergone past unsuccessful treatments. For additional information go to www.southfloridasinusandallergy.com

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Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Primary care clinicians are the first to care for patients with nasal polyposis. Therefore, they must have the clinical knowledge to detect this disease and begin the patient on appropriate therapy before referring them to the otolaryngologist. Since impaired QOL might affect the patients emotional well-being, there are times psychiatric evaluation might be warranted. Cooperation between allergists, pulmonologists, and otolaryngologists is required to improve patient management and treatment outcomes. Pathologists help establish the etiology of nasal polyps and are valuable for ruling out neoplasia.

Diagnostic radiologists play an integral role in the care of nasal polyposis patients. The intricate anatomy of the paranasal sinuses with its anatomical variants may pose risks during endoscopic sinus surgery. Accurate interpretation of PNS CT scans may assist the otolaryngologist in avoiding surgical complications. Pharmacists involved in the care of patients with nasal polyposis should be familiar with drug compounding, as different medications can be added to nasal saline irrigations to help control the inflammatory process within the sinuses. Nurses play a pivotal role in educating patients regarding their condition and assist the clinician with treatment compliance. Excellent interprofessional communication is essential in the management of nasal polyposis patients.

Symptoms Of Nasal Polyps

If you have any symptoms, they may include:

  • Stuffy or blocked nose

The most common symptoms are a runny, stuffy, or blocked nose.

Many people also have wheezing, sinus infections, and are sensitive to fumes, odors, dust, and chemicals. Itâs less common, but some people with nasal polyps also have a severe allergy to aspirin and reaction to yellow dyes. If you know you have that allergy, ask your doctor to check for nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps make you more likely to have long-term sinusitis. Large ones can even change the shape of your nose.

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Nasal Polyps Need Shrinkage

Nasal polyps have a kind of worrisome name, but for the most part, they arenât very dangerous. They arenât painful, and they are rarely cancerous. They just get in the way a little bit and can sometimes prevent proper breathing. This guide prepares you for what nasal polyps might throw at you. Hopefully, we have given you all the knowledge and treatment tips , so that you will breath easier and to help the doctor make an informed opinion on how to next proceed with your treatment.

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What Are Nasal Polyps

How do I know if I need sinus surgery?

Nasal polyps are soft, swollen, abnormal, sac-like growths that line the inside of a person’s nose or sinuses. They are often teardrop-shaped and grow together in groups. Though nasal polyps themselves are not a form of cancer, it is possible for other growths to form in the nasal cavity that are cancerousthough they are not considered polyps.

Frequently, nasal polyps grow where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity and can vary in size. While small polyps may not cause any problemsand may not be noticeablelarger polyps can block your sinuses or nasal airway, making it difficult to breathe.

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What Is The Treatment For A Cancerous Polyp

Treatment for a cancerous polyp varies widely, depending on:

  • Other medical conditions and health history.

Your healthcare provider may suggest surgery to remove cancerous polyps . But, sometimes, they recommend a watch and wait approach, or active surveillance. This means theyll keep an eye on the polyp until intervention is necessary.

How Do You Know If You Have Polyps

It can be tricky to know for sure if you have polyps without getting the help of a doctor. Polyps tend not to have any symptoms when they are small and just beginning to form.

When they are large enough to cause symptoms, its often the case that the signs of the polyps are very similar to conditions from allergies and a cold. For example, sinus polyps can cause a persistent runny nose, feelings of stuffiness or congestion, feelings of pressure in the face and sneezing. About three quarters of people also notice a reduced sense of smell thanks to the enlarged polyps.

Occasionally, people with polyps in the sinuses and nasal passages also have a sensitivity to aspirin. In fact, in some cases, an allergy to aspirin can be what triggers the growth of the polyps.

Since sinus polyps are benign growths, they shouldnt cause problems such as bleeding or extreme pain. If you suspect that you have a growth or polyp and it is very painful or causing you to bleed, or if the polyp seems to be on just one side of the nose, it could be a sign of a tumor in the sinuses, and not a polyp.

Seeing a doctor is often your best course of action if you have prolonged symptoms that dont seem to clear up or if you have more severe symptoms like bleeding. A doctor can look into your nasal passages and sinuses and verify whether or not polyps are there.

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Sore Throat And Hoarse Voice

Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. Although it may start as an annoying tickle, it can get worse.

If your infection lasts for a few weeks or more, mucus can irritate and inflame your throat as it drips, resulting in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make a hoarse voice worse.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Cancerous Polyps

Nasal Polyps: what can I do, Doc?

Scientists are still trying to understand what causes polyps, as well as what makes some polyps turn malignant. Most cancerous polyps are a result of genetic changes that are inherited or occur sporadically.

Some research suggests that certain types of cancerous polyps are related to hormones or other health conditions.

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Both The Ft Lauderdale And Plantation Offices Of The South Florida Sinus And Allergy Centers Are Open For Patient Appointments Both Current And New Patients

The Centers, Under the Direction of Dr. Lee Mandel, Do Not Fall Under the Business Closures of the Broward County Shelter in Place Order

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, March 23, 2020- Both the Plantation and Ft. Lauderdale Offices of the South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center are open for patient appointments, both current and new patients.

Center Director, Lee M. Mandel, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.R.S, said the offices do not fall under the business closures of the Broward County Shelter in Place Order.

We are taking every precaution to keep our patients safe, said Dr. Mandel. If a patient is seeing another doctor, and they are not available because of the Coronavirus crisis, we are happy to see and take care of them. We take our oath very seriously and will not leave patients who need us untreated.

The Ft. Lauderdale Center is located at 1301 E. Broward Blvd, Suite 240, . The Plantation office is at 950 South Pine Island Road, Suite A180, .

Toxicity And Side Effect Management

Intranasal corticosteroids are generally safe in the treatment of nasal polyps and rarely cause side effects. Occasional adverse reactions reported include epistaxis and nasal mucosa ulceration. Although more effective, oral steroids have a higher incidence of systemic side effects. They must be given cautiously to patients suffering from diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as these might trigger uncontrolled blood glucose levels and hypertensive crises in vulnerable individuals. Gastric ulcers, osteoporosis, and psychiatric conditions are relative contraindications for their use. They should also be avoided in patients with known tuberculosis as they might reactivate the disease.

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What Are The Causes Of Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps grow in inflamed tissue of the nasal mucosa. The mucosa is a very wet layer that helps protect the inside of your nose and sinuses and humidifies the air you breathe. During an infection or allergy-induced irritation, the nasal mucosa becomes swollen and red, and it may produce fluid that drips out. With prolonged irritation, the mucosa may form a polyp. A polyp is a round growth that can block nasal passages.

Although some people can develop polyps with no previous nasal problems, theres often a trigger for developing polyps. These triggers include:

There may be a hereditary tendency for some people to develop polyps. This may be due to the way their genes cause their mucosa to react to inflammation.

What Is A Sinus Infection

Nasal Polyps, It’s Time for Surgery!

A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, occurs when your nasal cavities become infected, swollen, and inflamed. Fluid buildup in the sinuses can cause germs to grow, leading to a sinus infection.

Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often lasts even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria or, rarely, fungus may cause a sinus infection.

Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms.

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Treatment For Nasal Polyps

Medications: If you need treatment, youâll probably start with a nasal corticosteroid spray. In many cases, that can shrink or even get rid of nasal polyps. But some people need to take corticosteroids such as prednisone by mouth for a week. If that doesnt work, your doctor may give you a shot of a medicine called dupilumab .

Unfortunately, nasal polyps tend to come back if the irritation, allergy, or infection continues. So you may need to keep using a corticosteroid spray and get checkups with a nasal endoscope every now and then.

In general, medications such as antihistamines and arenât great at managing nasal polyps. But you may need antihistamines, to control allergies, or antibiotics, if you have an infection, before you start on steroids.

Surgery: Sometimes, nasal polyps are so large that medications donât work. In such cases, surgery may be an option.

The doctor would likely use a small nasal telescope that removes nasal polyps. You can go home the same day as the surgery.

Surgery helps in most cases. It may be less effective if you have nasal polyps, asthma, and aspirin sensitivity. If thatâs you, medication may be more helpful.

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What You Can Do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make your appointment, ask if you need to fast for bloodwork or if you need to do anything else to prepare for diagnostic tests.
  • Write down all of your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated to your nose or sinuses. Your doctor will want to know details about when your symptoms started and whether anything seems to make them better or worse.
  • Take along a family member or friend, if possible. Having someone along can help you recall all the information provided during your appointment.
  • Make a list of your other medical conditions. Your doctor will want to know if you’re currently being treated for allergies, asthma or any other health conditions.
  • Make a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins or supplements.

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How Are Nasal Obstructions Treated

Not all patients can be cured of nasal polyps, but several treatments can help:

  • Steroid sprays to shrink polyps and improve symptoms.
  • Oral steroids .
  • Injections under the skin to deliver a medicine called dupilumab.
  • Outpatient surgery to place a tiny stent. It props open the nasal passages and delivers steroids or other medications.
  • Outpatient surgery using endoscopy to remove polyps when other treatments dont work.

Your healthcare provider also may prescribe antibiotics if you have an infection.

Nasal Polyp Causes And Risk Factors

Chronic sinusitis

Nobody really knows what causes nasal polyps, or why they happen in some people, but don’t happen in others. Some experts believe it may have something to do with the immune system or the chemical makeup in the lining of your nose and sinuses. But we need more research.

Anyone can get nasal polyps, but they’re most common in adults over age 40 and are twice as likely to affect men as women. Children under age 10 rarely get them. If they do, a doctor will check for signs of cystic fibrosis.

Nasal polyps are linked to allergic rhinitis, asthma, aspirin allergy, sinus infections, acute and chronic infections, something stuck in the nose, and cystic fibrosis. But many times, the cause is unknown. Sometimes, people get them before they develop asthma or sinusitis.

Some experts think that symptoms of allergies — including a runny nose, sneezing, and itching — make some people more likely to get nasal polyps. But the allergy connection is controversial. Other researchers think that sinus infections are to blame.

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Why Diagnosis Is Important

Because patients cant breathe through their nose, they mouth breathe while sleeping, causing them to snore. Sometimes nasal polyps can make snoring severe enough to tip a patient who snores over to sleep apnea which has a substantial effect on patients.

Patients with sleep apnea dont sleep well, and they are at higher risk for other health problems, including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and memory and concentration problems.

How Nasal Polyps Are Diagnosed

Noncancerous growths inside the nasal cavity and/or sinuses, called nasal polyps, often don’t have symptomsand when they do, the symptoms are very similar to those associated with colds, allergies, and sinus infections.

While it’s not possible to self-diagnose nasal polyps, healthcare providers are able to perform a few different tests to help determine if a person has nasal polyps.

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