Dealing with Nasal Polyps? Here’s What You Should Know
Nasal polyps are a common yet often misunderstood medical condition. Affecting millions worldwide, they can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated. In this comprehensive guide, we cover what is this symptom, causes, and treatment options, besides its association with rare diseases like Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA).
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are noncancerous, soft, painless growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They are typically teardrop-shaped and result from chronic inflammation. Though small polyps might not cause noticeable symptoms, larger ones can block normal drainage from the sinuses and hinder breathing.
According to the Mayo Clinic, nasal polyps are associated with chronic rhinosinusitis and other conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis [1].
What Causes Polyps in the Nose?
The exact cause is not entirely understood. However, they are linked to prolonged inflammation in the nasal cavity and sinuses. Contributing factors include:
- Chronic sinus infections
- Asthma
- Allergic fungal sinusitis
- Sensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin
- Genetic predispositions
Chronic inflammation plays a central role in their development, often due to an abnormal immune response.
Symptoms of Polyps in the Nasal Cavity
Symptoms vary based on the size and number of polyps but commonly include:
- Persistent nasal congestion
- Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
- Postnasal drip
- Reduced or lost sense of smell (anosmia)
- Facial pain or pressure
- Snoring
- Frequent sinus infections
In more severe cases, individuals may also experience headaches and difficulty breathing through the nose.
Treatment options
Treatment aims to reduce the size of the polyps or eliminate them. Options include:
1. Medications
- Nasal corticosteroids: First-line treatment to reduce inflammation and shrink polyps. Examples include fluticasone, mometasone, and budesonide.
- Oral or injectable corticosteroids: Used for severe symptoms or when nasal sprays are ineffective.
- Antihistamines or antibiotics: May be prescribed if allergies or infections contribute to the condition.
- Biologic therapy: Dupilumab (Dupixent) is FDA-approved for patients with this symptom.
2. Surgical Options
If medication fails, endoscopic sinus surgery might be necessary. This minimally invasive procedure removes polyps and clears sinus pathways.
3. Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Use of saline nasal rinses
- Managing allergies and asthma effectively
- Avoiding nasal irritants like tobacco smoke and pollutants
Nasal Polyps and EGPA (Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis)
Nasal polyps can be a symptom of EGPA, a rare autoimmune condition previously known as Churg-Strauss Syndrome. EGPA causes inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), affecting multiple organs including the lungs and skin. Patients also often present with asthma and eosinophilia. [2]
The presence of this symptom in EGPA can complicate diagnosis, requiring comprehensive blood tests and imaging to differentiate from other conditions.
If you have this symptom and suspect having a rare disease, you can use our free Risk Check for Rare Diseases. Just fill out our Patient Form and we do the rest. Get your secured analysis today, powered by AI and reviewed by our team of medical experts.