Nasal polyps cause nasal blockage and affect your sense of smell and taste.
Polyps can also block the sinuses causing sinusitis.
What are nasal polyps?
A nasal polyp is a swelling that grows from the internal lining of the nose. It looks a bit like a grape. There can be one or several clustered together. Polyps usually arise from the lining of the nose or from sinuses. They often occur following chronic inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) and sinuses (sinusitis).
Symptoms
- blocked nose
- reduced sense of smell (and taste)
- discharge from the nose
- snoring
- post nasal drip
Treatment
Initially treatment involves topical nasal steroids in the form of drops for a period of up to 6 weeks. If this fails or the polyps are large, surgery may be required.
Surgical treatment involves a Nasal Polypectomy which is performed endoscopically in conjunction with Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).