Nasal polyps are soft, fleshy, non-cancerous growths in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. The polyps are teardrop-shaped and can be yellow-brown or pink in color. As they develop, the polyps eventually come to look similar to grapes hanging from a stem. It is common to have either one or clusters of polyps that grow in both nostrils.
Small nasal polyps may not cause any symptoms at all; you may not notice they’re there. Large polyps can cause difficulty breathing, though, and can affect the sense of smell. Large polyps also often become infected.
Nasal polyps can occur in any person, but most often are seen in men over the age of 40. They are the result of chronic inflammation of the nasal lining due to allergies, asthma, immune disorders, or reactions to certain drugs.
If you experience serious trouble breathing, a sudden worsening of symptoms, severe swelling around your eyes, blurred or loss of vision, or severe headache and inability to move your head forward, seek immediate medical attention.
If your symptoms are not severe, contact Orland ENT to speak to an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Treatments for nasal polyps include steroid tablets or steroid nasal spray for patients with smaller polyps. For larger polyps, surgery may be required.
