How Can Your Doctor Address Nasal Polyps?

Breathing should feel natural and normal for every individual. However, congested breathing may indicate a blockage in the airway passage, which may mean a serious condition. You should be concerned if the congested breathing is accompanied by a loss of smell, infections, and sinus headaches, as it may indicate nasal polyps Los Angeles. Nasal polyps are noncancerous and painless, and you may fail to notice them if they are small. However, large nasal polyps obstruct breathing as they block nasal passages. Your nasal passages will be inflamed and you may have chronic sinusitis which could cause snoring, pressure over the forehead, and persistent stuffiness. Your doctor can prescribe medications and surgery if your symptoms fail to improve. The discussion below will focus on these two forms of treatment and the possible prevention of nasal polyps.

Medications

Usually, your treatment for nasal polyps will begin with medications to try and shrink them. Your doctor will prescribe nasal corticosteroids in spray form to reduce irritation and swelling. Nasal sprays can shrink and eliminate polyps. A nasal corticosteroid may fail to prove effective, prompting your doctor to prescribe an oral corticosteroid alongside the nasal spray. You can also use an oral corticosteroid on its own to relieve symptoms of nasal polyps. For severe nasal polyps, you may need injectable corticosteroids. However, you can use oral corticosteroids for a short time because they may cause serious side effects if you use them for long periods.

Endoscopic Surgery

Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove nasal polyps if medications fail to eliminate them. Surgery aims to remove the nasal polyps and correct any sinus-related issues that make them susceptible to inflammation. During surgery, your doctor will insert an endoscope with a camera at the tip into your nostrils and then guide the instrument to your sinus cavities. Your doctor will also pass tiny instruments through the endoscope to remove the nasal polyps, clear obstructions, and open a natural drainage area for the sinuses. Draining and clearing obstructions will reduce congestion, relieving you from sinus headaches and breathing issues. However, nasal polyps will likely return even after treatment, especially if your doctor does not treat the underlying cause. Your doctor will likely prescribe a corticosteroid nasal spray after surgery to prevent the possible recurrence of nasal polyps.

Can You Prevent the Development of Nasal Polyps?

You can reduce the possible development of nasal polyps or a recurrence of the same after treatment with a few options. First, follow treatment instructions for managing allergies and asthma symptoms, as they may lead to nasal polyps. Secondly, avoid nasal irritants as they may cause swelling and irritation. Maintain good hygiene practices by washing your hands thoroughly and regularly to reduce viral and bacterial infections that may inflame your sinuses and nasal passage.

Nasal polyps are usually soft and painless and less noticeable if they are still small. Large polyps may block your sinuses and passages, leading to inflammation, stuffiness, and runny nose, among other symptoms. Certain conditions, like asthma, cystic fibrosis, aspirin sensitivity, and allergy to airborne fungi, may increase your risk for nasal polyps. Leaving the condition untreated may worsen asthma, cause sleep problems and lead to sinus infections. Therefore, treating your symptoms as soon as they come is necessary.