Nasal Polyps Treatment in San Francisco, CA

Nasal polyps are benign tumors that grow in your nasal passages. They are often a side effect of another health condition like allergies or an infection

If the polyps grow large enough, they can cause a blockage in your airways.

If you are experiencing the symptoms associated with nasal polyps, contact San Francisco Otolaryngology to discuss diagnosis and treatment of your sinus condition. To schedule an appointment with our ENT specialists, please call (415) 362-5443 and request an appointment at our ENT clinic in San Francisco, CA, today.

Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are often overlooked because their symptoms can be mistaken for common colds or seasonal allergies. Common symptoms of nasal polyps include:

• Sinus Pressure: Persistent pressure or fullness around the sinuses, often associated by discomfort.
• Runny Nose: Continuous nasal discharge that doesn’t seem to improve over time.
• Decreased Sensitivity to Taste and Smell: A reduced ability to taste food or detect odors, which can significantly affect daily life.
• Chronic Sinus Headaches: Recurring headaches that originate from inflamed or blocked sinuses.
• Chronic Nasal Congestion: A feeling of a stuffy nose, often leading to mouth breathing and difficulty sleeping.
• Facial Pain: Pain or a feeling of pressure around the eyes, nose, or forehead.
• Asthmatic Symptoms: Breathing difficulties, wheezing, or a tight chest, particularly in individuals with a history of asthma.

Causes of Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are created from the inflammation in the mucous membrane within the sinus. The inflammation is caused from any irritation of the sinus such as allergies, blowing or wiping your nose, colds, and the flu.

Physicians believe that the reason nasal polyps develop in some people but not others is because of the immune system’s response and genetic chemical makeup of the mucous membrane.

Risk Factors of Nasal Polyps

While nasal polyps can develop in anyone, certain individuals are more prone to this condition due to underlying health issues. The following groups are at a higher risk of developing nasal polyps:

• People with Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Chronic nasal allergies can lead to prolonged inflammation in the nasal passages, increasing the likelihood of polyp formation.
• Individuals with Allergic Fungal Sinusitis: An allergy to fungi can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which may result in nasal polyps.
• Those Suffering from Chronic Sinusitis: Persistent or recurring sinus infections, also known as chronic sinusitis, can cause ongoing inflammation and lead to the development of nasal polyps.
• Cystic Fibrosis Patients: This genetic disorder affects mucus production and can lead to the formation of nasal polyps due to thickened nasal secretions.
• People with Asthma: Individuals with asthma often experience inflammation in the airways, which can extend to the nasal passages and increase the risk of polyps.
• Family History of Nasal Polyps: A genetic predisposition may play a role, as nasal polyps can run in families, indicating a hereditary component.

Nasal Polyps Treatment Options

There are a number of treatment options for nasal polyps that a physician will prescribe, such as:

Medications

Physicians may prescribe medications to control the underlying causes of nasal polyps before taking further measures.

• Corticosteroid nasal spray (Flonase, Nasonex)
• Oral corticosteroids (Presdnisone) for severe cases
• Antihistamines and decongestants for minor cases

Surgery

Endoscopic procedures are normally performed for nasal polyps. The physician will use a small nasal telescope that can precisely remove nasal polyps while avoiding damaging tissue.

Surgery is only performed for more severe cases of nasal polyps or when medication is not effective. Ongoing medication may be needed after the procedure for patients with certain conditions such as asthma or other sensitivities.