Polyps

Nasal polyps develop in the internal mucous membrane of the nose and are tumors outside the norm that make breathing difficult. There can be one or more polyps. Polyps can be unilateral or bilateral.

Though there are factors such as allergy, infection and mucous membrane touching each – other in the formation of nasal polyps, the exact cause hasnt yet been determined. Therefore, it doesnt have an absolute treatment. It is possible to reduce the complaints of the patient with different symptomatic treatment.

Types of nasal polyps:

• Antrochoanal polyps
• Conchachoanal polyps
• Sfenohoanal polyps
• Polyps that bleed from septum
• Nasal polyposis (polyps inside the nose being filled)

The first 4 among these are in the form of a single polyp. They are named according to their places. Nasal cavity is filled in nasal polyposis and sinuses are full of polyps and its treatment is more difficult than others.

Symptoms

The main symptom of nasal polyposis is nasal congestion. If polyp is unilateral, there is congestion on that side. If the patient has nasal polyposis, there is congestion on both sides. In addition, there can be additional complaints such as pain in head and face, postnasal discharge, nasal bleeding, disturbances of smell, nasal speech, and hearing loss related to the congestion in Eustachit duct.

Diagnosis

In most cases, it is not difficult to diagnose. Diagnose is specified by classical nose examination and endoscopic examination. Paranasal CT should be taken to know the size of polyp and the condition of sinuses. Allergy test can also be performed for the patient to determine the cause. If an allergy is confirmed, relevant treatments are conducted.

Treatment

There are 2 methods for the treatment of nasal polyposis: conservative and surgical.

Conservative treatment: It is a treatment which is relevant to etiology. Mainly, antibiotics, cortisone preparations, topical (local) spray and drops, anti-inflammatory medication, antihistamine and decongestants are used. The main aim is to prevent the secondary infection, diminish the size of polyp and improve the patients breathing.

Surgical treatment: It is better than conservative treatment. Relevant surgery is performed according to the type of polyp.

Except nasal polyp, 100% successful result can be obtained with surgical treatment in other polyps. Here, the experience of surgeon is important. For example, if polyp in antrochoanal polyps is not regulated from maxillary sinus, it can be repeated.

The treatment of nasal polyposis should be conducted in a combined way. Here, the main aim is to increase the quality of life. Conservative and surgical treatments are conducted together. After polyps are diminished with conservative treatment, they are regulated by surgical treatment and the repetition of polyps is prevented with the use of cortisone at regular intervals. Despite this, polyps may again grow. As the etiology of nasal polyposis hasnt been accurately determined, it doesnt have absolute treatment. These should be explained to the patient in detail and the patient should be fully informed about his/ her disease.