Causes & Symptoms
of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are defined as pale-grey, semi-translucent protrusions from the sinuses into the nasal cavity. They occur in approximately 4% of the population. They are more common in individuals over 40 years of age, asthmatics, and those who suffer from the disease cystic fibrosis. Individuals with asthma and nasal polyps may have flares of asthma and sinus disease symptoms when taking aspirin or other NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Nasal polyps may also increase the risk of sinus infections.
Symptoms of nasal polyps include extreme nasal congestion as well as a decreased, and in many cases, absent sense of smell. There is often chronic nasal discharge which may be yellow-green if there is a sinus infection. There is rarely pain but a feeling of a “full head” may be present.
Treatment
of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps require ongoing management which includes treatment of any underlying allergies, nasal steroid sprays or sinus rinses, and occasionally oral steroids. Occasionally, evaluation by an ENT surgeon is recommended and polyps may need to be removed surgically. Biologic medications such as Dupixent, Tezspire, Nucala, and Xolair are approved for treatment of nasal polyps, with Dupixent and Tezspire often leading to significant improvements in congestion and sense of smell, shrinkage of nasal polyp size, reduction in overall symptoms, and prevention of polyp regrowth after surgical removal.