Nasal Polyps Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Nasal polyps are disorders of the nasal mucosa (surface lining). This stemmed soft mass is round or oval in shape, grayish-white in color with a smooth surface, and slightly translucent.
If not treated properly, this condition can develop into obstructive sleep apnea or disturbed breathing while sleeping.
In addition, nasal polyp disease can also make the sinuses more easily infected.
Symptoms
Symptoms and characteristics of nasal polyps include:
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezes
- meler
- facial pain
- Numbness
- Hearing impairment
- Itching around the eyes
- Infection
Reason
Until now, the cause of nasal polyps is unknown. However, there is some evidence that people with nasal polyps tend to have a different immune system response than those who don’t.
Nasal polyps can form at any age, although they are more common in adults.
Risk Factors
Your risk of developing nasal polyps increases if you have:
- Asma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Cystic fibrosis
Diagnosis
Nasal polyps can be diagnosed by anterior rhinoscopy. On this examination, usually, polyps can already be seen. Massive polyps often create abnormalities in the external nose.
In addition, the diagnosis can be made through X-rays and CT scans to detect sinusitis.
Treatment
Treatment for nasal polyps consists of drug therapy and surgery. Drug therapy is aimed at polyps that are still small and can usually be treated in a short time.
In general, nasal polyp patients with chronic rhinosinusitis are treated with steroid nasal sprays and nasal washes for 2-3 months.
In addition to drug administration, polyp removal can also be done through surgery.
The surgical method tends to be aimed at large polyps that cause abnormalities in the nose, as well as in cases that do not get better with the use of drugs.
Drugs that are often used by people with nasal polyps are:
- Nasal sprays contain steroids
- Normal saline liquid for washing the nose
- Antibiotics (if accompanied by a bacterial infection)
Prevention
In allergy sufferers, prevention of nasal polyps is done by trying to reduce allergic recurrence. For example, by avoiding allergy triggers and taking allergy medications according to the doctor’s advice.
In addition, prevention of nasal polyps can be done by using a humidifier, especially in dry environments, washing your nose regularly, maintaining cleanliness and health to avoid respiratory infections.
Also avoid being close to sources of irritants and pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, dust, etc.
Complications
Some of the complications of nasal polyps that can arise include:
- Difficulty sleeping due to blockage causes chronic fatigue
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- The emergence of a mucocele