Nasal polyps can range in color from brownish yellow to pink as well as occur in a variety of sizes. Initially, nasal polyps look like teardrops, and they slowly become bigger to appear similar to grapes on a stem.
Polyps can develop in one or both nostrils at the same time and grow alone or in clusters.
People with polyp clusters or large polyps may experience breathing problems and a compromised sense of smell. Polyps can cause obstructions in the sinuses and lead to repetitive infections. The rhinoplasty surgeon will examine the patient’s nasal polyps and recommend a suitable treatment plan based on this assessment.
Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide rhinoplasty to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.
Who may Develop Nasal Polyps?
Around four to 40 percent of the population has nasal polyps, and they develop two to four times more frequently in men in comparison to women. Polyps typically develop in young or middle-aged people.
People with repetitive sinus infections, allergies, and asthma are more susceptible to nasal polyps. Children with cystic fibrosis also have higher chances of developing polyps.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of nasal polyps will involve the doctor asking the patient questions on their symptoms and examining their nasal condition. The surgeon may use a lighted instrument to view the nasal polyps within the nose.
In addition, the surgeon may order the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- Nasal Endoscopy
- CT Scan
- Cystic fibrosis
- Skin prick allergy test
Treatment
Steroid Nose Drops or Spray
To reduce the swelling in the polyps, the surgeon may prescribe a steroid spray or nasal drops to the patient. This is a standard treatment for patients who have a single polyp or a cluster of small polyps. The treatment side effects may include:
- Nosebleeds
- Headache
- Sore throat
Steroid Pills
Patients with larger polyps of severe swelling may need steroid pills. The doctor may prescribe these pills alone or with a nasal spray.
Steroids are an effective treatment to reduce polyp size. But these drugs can cause complications such as weight gain. The surgeon will prescribe these pills only for a few weeks and not a longer period.
Other Drugs
At times, there may be an underlying condition that may be aggravating the inflammation. To address such underlying conditions, the doctor may prescribe antifungal meds to treat fungal allergies, antihistamines to treat allergic reactions, and antibiotics to treat bacterial issues.
Surgery
In case the nasal polyps are large or the patient is unresponsive to other treatments, the surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure to address this condition.
Polypectomy
Polypectomy is a standard procedure to remove polyps. This surgery is undertaken with the patient under general or local anesthesia. To perform this surgery, the surgeon places a long, narrow pipe attached to a camera within the patient’s nose to view the nasal polyps and sinuses.
Cosmetic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
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