25 Jun Removing nasal polyps: When do you have to operate on polyps?

3 Likes

Many people get scared when they hear the term "growths" and immediately think of malignant changes. But don't worry - there are also benign growths in the ENT area, which are not dangerous in themselves, but can disturb the patient. These include nasal polyps. These are soft, benign tissue growths in the nasal mucosa. Some polyps are only a few millimetres in size and do not cause any restrictions, while others can grow into extensive formations and block the nasal cavities. In this article, we will inform you about when and how we remove nasal polyps.

What are nasal polyps?

The nose is divided into the left and right nasal cavities. The two are separated by the nasal septum. The main cavities are connected to several Paranasal sinuses attached. They are connected to the respective main nasal cavity via excretory ducts. The main sinuses and sinuses are lined with a mucous membrane. One of its functions is to moisturise and filter the air we breathe.

Some patients develop soft, benign mucosal growths in the paranasal sinuses over time. These are nasal polyps. They vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres. The polyps sit flat on the mucous membrane.

However, it is also possible that they are connected to it via a thin stalk. In some cases, the growths may grow into the nasal cavity.

Nasal polyps mainly affect adults and are often part of the clinical picture of chronic sinusitis. The exact causes that lead to their formation or development are still unclear. Risk factors may include genetic predisposition and persistent inflammation of the mucous membranes due to allergies or infections. Nasal polyps are also frequently associated with bronchial asthma, (chronic) bronchitis and an intolerance to the painkiller acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Patients suffering from cystic fibrosis or Kartagener's syndrome also often develop nasal polyps.

What symptoms can nasal polyps cause?

If the nasal polyps are (still) small, patients often do not even notice them. If they increase in size, they can lead to the following symptoms:

Restricted nasal breathing, causing patients to breathe more through the mouth
the feeling of a constant blocked nose
Recurrent inflammation of the paranasal sinuses
a nasal voice
a limited sense of smell and an impaired sense of taste
dull headache
Snoring
Sleep disorders, resulting in limited performance during the day

Removing nasal polyps: What treatment options are there for polyps?

If we have discovered nasal polyps in your nose, there are two forms of treatment:

Treatment with medication

If the nasal mucosa is not too swollen, i.e. the polyps are small, we can prescribe a nasal spray containing cortisone. The medication inhibits the activity of inflammatory cells. As a result, it also alleviates inflammatory reactions such as swelling of the nasal mucosa. Cortisone also inhibits the growth of the polyps. Smaller growths can be removed in many cases. The cortisone spray must be used regularly over several months. It is also possible to administer cortisone in tablet form.

Removing nasal polyps with surgery

If drug therapy does not bring sufficient success or no real or long-lasting improvement, we can remove the nasal polyps surgically. This also applies if the polyps are simply too large. The polyps are removed using microscopic/endoscopic minimally invasive surgery. Paranasal sinus surgery. We choose the nasal openings as the access route for this. With microscopic and endoscopic support, we locate the polyps in the paranasal sinuses and remove them using special instruments. We take great care to protect the surrounding important structures (eyes, brain and blood vessels). The aim of the operation is to permanently improve drainage of the sinus cavity into the nasal cavity.

After the nasal polyps have been removed, we recommend careful follow-up treatment. In this way, we can reduce the likelihood of the polyps reappearing. Follow-up treatment includes the use of nasal sprays containing cortisone and regular moisturising of the mucous membranes. Inhalation or a nasal douche are suitable for this.

Nasal polyp removal in Frankfurt

Nasal polyps usually grow quite slowly. As a result, many patients become accustomed to the symptoms. This means that they come to our clinic quite late. Goethe 10 Practice Clinic in Frankfurt come. However, small polyps can often be successfully treated with medication. We therefore recommend that if you have the above symptoms, you make an appointment at our ENT practice in Frankfurt and have yourself examined.

Following surgical removal, nasal polyps may reappear in the first few years after the operation. For this reason, it is advisable to come to us regularly for check-ups.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

Tags:

ENT, ENT doctor Frankfurt, Nose, Nasal concha, Paranasal sinuses, Nasal polyps, Removing nasal polyps, Nasal pain, Polyps, Stuffy nose