Nasal polyps develop in many different sizes and colors. They typically range from brownish-yellow to pink in color. Initially, the polyps look like teardrops. But as they grow larger, they appear similar to grapes on a stem. Nasal polyps can occur in one or both nostrils and may grow alone or in clusters.
The patient can experience issues in breathing or a compromised sense of smell due to large polyps or polyp clusters. Nasal polyps can block the sinuses leading to recurrent infections.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides rhinoplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding communities.
Who may get Nasal Polyps?
Between four and 40 percent of the population have nasal polyps. They occur more commonly in men than in women. Individuals with nasal polyps usually develop them in their youth or middle-age.
People with recurrent sinus infections, asthma, and allergies are more likely to develop nasal polyps as are children with cystic fibrosis.
Diagnosis
An experienced surgeon can diagnose nasal polyps typically just by asking the patient questions about their symptoms and assessing their nasal condition. They may use a lighted device to see the polyps within the nose.
Furthermore, the surgeon may order the below mentioned tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- CT Scan
- Nasal Endoscopy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Skin prick allergy test
Treatment
Steroid Nose Drops or Spray
To reduce the inflammation in the nasal polyps, the surgeon may prescribe nasal drops or a steroid spray to the patient. This is a common treatment for patients who have one polyp or a cluster of small polyps. The side effects of this treatment may include:
- Headache
- Nosebleeds
- Sore throat
Steroid Pills
The patient may require steroid pills if they have larger polyps or severe inflammation. The doctor may prescribe these pills by themselves or along with a nasal spray.
Steroids can effectively reduce the size of the polyps. However, they can pose complications such as weight gain. The patient should take these pills only for a few weeks and not a long duration.
Other Medications
Sometimes, the surgeon may prescribe other medications to treat the underlying conditions that may be causing an aggravation of the swelling.
For instance, they may prescribe antihistamines to treat allergies, antifungal medicines to treat fungal allergies, and antibiotics to treat bacterial conditions.
Surgery
If the polyps are substantial in size, or the patient is not responding to other treatments, the provider may recommend a surgical procedure to treat the polyps.
Polypectomy
Polypectomy is a common procedure to remove polyps. The surgeon performs this procedure with the patient under either local or general anesthesia. In this procedure, the surgeon places a long, narrow pipe connected to a camera within the patient’s nose and sinuses.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.