Understanding Nasal Polyps and When Treatment Is Needed in Frederick, MD

Persistent breathing difficulties and a blocked nose that don’t seem to clear can be frustrating to deal with and difficult to manage. If they don’t seem to go away even with standard medication, your ENT doctor in Frederick, MD, might start considering a different root cause: nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths inside the nose or sinuses that can block airways, cause breathing difficulties, and affect your day-to-day comfort.

Let’s dive deeper into what these small growths are, how you can spot common symptoms, and what your treatment options are.

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are small, benign (non-cancerous), and jelly-like growths that form in the tissues lining the nasal and sinus passages. Anyone can develop nasal polyps, and they usually grow on both sides of the nose, although growth on only one side of the nose is not unheard of. Nasal polyps are often teardrop-shaped and form in clusters.

While small or individual growths don’t cause significant issues, larger growths or those that become irritated and swollen can make it hard to breathe through the nose. If left long enough, they can increase the risk of developing sinus infections.

Sometimes, nasal polyps are also called nasal polyposis.

What Are the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?

Small polys may not cause issues or significant symptoms at all. But larger growths do, and common symptoms can include:

• Stuffy nose or nasal congestion
• Loss of sense of taste and/or smell
• Postnasal drip, or mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Runny nose
• Headaches
• Sinus pressure
• Difficulty breathing through the nose and resorting to mouth breathing
• Nosebleeds
• Snoring

What Causes Nasal Polyps?

Healthcare providers and researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of nasal polyps. What we know is that inflammation plays a key part in the development of nasal polyps. However, they’re yet to find out why some people with sinus inflammation go on to develop these growths while others don’t.

Nasal polyps are often associated with chronic sinusitis, which is characterized by the swelling and inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses. It’s a long-term inflammation and can last for 12 weeks or more.

Genetics also plays a role in the growth of nasal polyps. Some genes that play a role in your immune system and inflammatory response can make you more susceptible to developing nasal polyps. Additionally, if you have family members with nasal polyps, you may be more likely to develop them as well.

Are there risk factors?

Several risk factors can increase the chances of developing nasal polyps, such as:

• Asthma
• Chronic sinus infections
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Aspirin sensitivity
• Cystic fibrosis

How Are Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?

To diagnose nasal polyps, your ENT specialist in Frederick, MD, will perform a thorough physical examination of your nasal and sinus passages. They will also ask about your symptoms and how long you’ve been experiencing them, and will review your medical history, with a focus on sinus infections, allergies, and asthma.

Tests that may help diagnose nasal polyps can include:

• Nasal endoscopy
• Allergy tests
• Blood tests
• CT scan
• MRI
• Polyp biopsy

Nasal Polyp Treatment Options in Frederick, MD

Nasal polyp treatment in Frederick, MD, will depend on the severity of the condition and the potential causes.

Medications for nasal polyps

Typically, medications are the course of treatment for nasal polyps. While medications don’t get rid of the nasal polyps, they can help manage symptoms. Common medication treatments include:

• Nasal corticosteroids
• Oral corticosteroids
• Decongestants
• Saline nasal sprays or rinses
• Steroid nasal sprays
• Antihistamines (for allergy-related symptoms)
• Antibiotics (for bacterial sinus infection-related symptoms)

Certain medications–such as corticosteroids–may help reduce inflammation in the sinus linings and may potentially shrink nasal polyps. However, results can vary per patient.

Surgery for nasal polyps

If medications don’t work in managing symptoms, your ENT doctor may recommend sinus surgery, including:

• Balloon sinuplasty, which uses a small balloon catheter to unblock the sinus and nasal passages
• Polypectomy, which uses tiny instruments to remove nasal polyps
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which uses specialized instruments to remove nasal polyps, diseased tissue, damaged bone, and anything else that might be causing blockage

All surgical procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary per patient. Your ENT care provider will discuss potential benefits and risks based on individual health factors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nasal Polyps in Frederick, MD

When should I see an ENT specialist in Frederick, MD, for nasal polyps?

Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening symptoms that do not improve
• Persistent symptoms that don’t respond to standard medications
• Recurring or frequent sinus infections
• Breathing difficulties that significantly impact daily activities, sleep, and comfort
• A decrease in your sense of smell

Your primary doctor may refer you to an ENT specialist if they determine that it’s the next logical step.

Can nasal polyps be prevented?

It’s not always possible to prevent nasal polyps. But, there are some measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing them, including:

• Take all prescribed medications as directed to manage allergies or asthma
• Avoid breathing airborne allergens and irritants
• Keep your house clean and free from allergens and irritants
• Use a saline nasal spray to flush out allergens and irritants
• Practice good hygiene
• Run a humidifier indoors to keep the sinus and nasal passages moist

Can nasal polyps go away on their own?

Nasal polyps do not usually resolve on their own and may require medical management depending on the case. While small polyps might not cause significant issues, larger growths with more severe symptoms will likely need medical treatment.

Conclusion: Understand and Treat Nasal Polyps in Frederick, MD

While nasal polyps are rarely life-threatening, they can make breathing difficult and significantly impact your daily activities, sleep, and comfort. If you are experiencing persistent sinus issues that don’t seem to go away, consult with your care provider.

Frederick Breathe Free is an ENT clinic serving the residents of Frederick, Urbana, Middletown, and the surrounding Frederick County communities. Learn more about our clinic, specialties, and services by visiting and exploring our website.