Nasal polyps are a common upper respiratory tract disease, usually caused by chronic inflammation of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. It not only affects respiratory function, but may also cause symptoms such as headaches, loss of smell, long-term nasal congestion, and cough.
1. What are nasal polypsNasal polyps are non-cancerous tumors of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinus mucosa, usually soft, painless cysts. These polyps are usually caused by long-term inflammation of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses, which may be caused by allergies, infections or other factors (such as immune system abnormalities).
The symptoms of nasal polyps vary depending on size, location and number. Common symptoms include:
Nasal congestion: Due to the presence of polyps, the nasal cavity becomes narrow and airflow is obstructed, resulting in long-term nasal congestion.
Hyposmia or loss of smell: Polyps may hinder the function of the olfactory nerve, causing the patient to lose or weaken the sense of smell.
Runny nose: Chronic nasal discharge or mucus, especially in the early morning and evening is more severe.
Headache and facial pressure: Polyps block the exit of the paranasal sinuses, which may cause headaches or facial tenderness.
Cough: Persistent nasal discharge may flow into the throat, causing coughing.
Nasal polyps are usually diagnosed through clinical examinations and imaging tests by doctors.
In the United States, the diagnosis of nasal polyps usually relies on a detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests by doctors. Common diagnostic methods include:
Doctors usually first understand the patient's condition by asking about the medical history and symptoms, including the duration of nasal congestion, whether it is accompanied by headaches, loss of smell, and other symptoms. Then, the doctor will use a nasal endoscope or endoscope to examine the nasal cavity to observe whether there are polyps or other abnormalities.
If the initial examination confirms signs of nasal polyps, the doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as:
X-ray: Although X-rays are relatively basic, they can help doctors see if there is inflammation or blockage in the sinuses.
CT scan: CT scan is the gold standard for diagnosing nasal polyps. It can provide detailed images of the paranasal sinuses and help doctors understand the location, size and number of polyps.
MRI: In some cases, MRI may also be used for further evaluation, especially when the size of the polyps or other problems are suspected.
Allergies are an important factor in the development of nasal polyps. Many patients with nasal polyps have a history of allergic rhinitis. Doctors may recommend allergy testing to determine if there are allergens causing chronic inflammation of the nasal cavity.
Although nasal polyps are usually benign, in some cases, doctors may recommend a tissue biopsy to rule out other more serious diseases, such as cancer.
The treatment options for nasal polyps depend on the size of the polyps, the severity of the symptoms, and whether there are other diseases (such as allergies or asthma). Treatment in the United States mainly includes medication and surgery.
Medication is the preferred method for treating nasal polyps, especially for patients with mild symptoms. Commonly used drug treatments include:
Nasal steroids are the basis for the treatment of nasal polyps. They can effectively reduce inflammation in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, help reduce the size of polyps, and relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion. Common nasal steroid sprays include fluticasone and budesonide.
For more severe nasal polyps, your doctor may prescribe a short course of oral steroids, such as prednisone, to quickly reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Oral steroids are usually only used for a short period of time because long-term use may have side effects.
If nasal polyps are caused by allergies, antihistamines or other allergy treatments (such as leukotriene receptor antagonists) may be used to relieve symptoms.
If nasal polyps are accompanied by secondary bacterial infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Surgery is a common option for patients who do not respond well to medication or whose symptoms are severe. The goal of surgery is to remove the polyps and restore normal nasal ventilation.
Endoscopic polypectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the doctor uses an endoscope to remove the polyps and restore the normal structure of the nasal cavity. This procedure is usually non-invasive and has a short recovery time. After the procedure, the patient is usually observed in the hospital for a period of time to ensure that there are no complications.
If the polyps are very large or the nasal polyps are seriously affecting the ventilation of the sinuses, sinus surgery may be necessary. Through this procedure, the doctor can clear the blocked sinuses, improve airflow and relieve symptoms.
Although the occurrence of nasal polyps is usually related to chronic inflammation, allergies and other factors, through appropriate lifestyle and preventive measures, patients can reduce the incidence of polyps to a certain extent, or at least alleviate their symptoms.
The occurrence of nasal polyps is closely related to allergic rhinitis. Avoiding contact with allergens, using anti-allergic drugs, and keeping indoor air clean are all effective preventive measures.
Regular cleaning of the nasal cavity helps to remove dust, pollutants and bacteria in the nasal cavity and reduce the occurrence of inflammation. You can use saline to rinse the nasal cavity to keep the nasal cavity moist.
Smoking and air pollution are one of the factors that cause inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Avoiding smoking and reducing exposure to air pollution play an important role in preventing the occurrence of nasal polyps.
For patients with a history of nasal polyps, regular medical check-ups, timely imaging evaluation and treatment can help early detection and control of the disease.
Although the treatment of nasal polyps is relatively mature in the United States, there are still some challenges. For example, the long-term effect of drug treatment is limited, and polyps are prone to recurrence; although surgical treatment is effective, it may also be accompanied by certain risks and side effects. Future research directions may focus on more precise drug treatment, gene therapy, and immunotherapy, striving to provide longer-lasting and less side-effect treatment options.
Although nasal polyps are a common disease, its treatment requires comprehensive consideration of drugs, surgery, and changes in lifestyle habits. Through timely diagnosis and scientific treatment, patients can effectively control symptoms, restore normal respiratory function, and improve their quality of life. In the United States, treatment technology and methods of nasal polyps are constantly improving, and future research may also bring more treatment options to patients. I hope this article can provide you with a basic understanding of nasal polyps and help you take the first step towards healthy breathing.
