Few feelings are more disconcerting than not being able to catch your breath and get the oxygen you need. There are dozens of reasons why this can occur, from sprinting to catch the bus to more serious breathing issues.
Nasal polyps are a fairly common condition that develop in approximately 4% of the population in the United States. These growths are benign, and in most cases they aren’t a cause for concern. In some cases, however, polyps can interfere with the function of the nasal passageways and sinuses.
Cecil Yeung, MD, and our team here at Houston Sinus Surgery have extensive experience helping patients with problematic nasal polyps, and we understand when we should take action. To help you discern the difference between harmless polyps and those that require intervention, we’ve outlined a few guidelines below.
As we mentioned, nasal polyps are fairly common. The polyps themselves are noncancerous growths that form in the linings of your nasal passages and sinuses. Typically tear-drop shaped, polyps can grow singularly or in groups, and they can range in size, which dictates the treatment to a large extent.
The cause of nasal polyps is unclear, but researchers believe that the problem may be related to several risk factors, including:
Despite the lack of a clear cause, the good news is that nasal polyps aren’t dangerous. However, they can be problematic if they’re numerous or large enough.
If your polyps are small enough, you may not be aware of their existence. If, however, they grow larger or develop in groups, you may experience problems with:
In severe cases, you may experience facial pain, which may affect your upper teeth.
Ultimately, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s well worth having us take a look to see if nasal polyps are to blame.
If we find that nasal polyps are behind your problems, there are several ways we can go about remedying the issue. We prefer to first treat your nasal polyps conservatively, which we can do with steroids or antibiotics.
If these medications prove ineffective, we can explore whether a balloon sinuplasty could be beneficial. During this noninvasive procedure, we insert a balloon into the passageway between your nose and sinus and expand the area, allowing for better drainage.
If your polyps are large enough and they’re causing significant problems for you, we may recommend surgical removal of the growths. Dr. Yeung is pleased to offer an innovative technique called functional endoscopic sinus surgery, in which he removes the polyps using a specialized camera and surgical equipment to minimize damage and shorten your recovery time.
If you think nasal polyps could be interfering with your nasal function, book an appointment online or over the phone with Houston Sinus Surgery today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Few feelings are more disconcerting than not being able to catch your breath and get the oxygen you need. There are dozens of reasons why this can occur, from sprinting to catch the bus to more serious breathing issues.
A cerebrospinal fluid leak sounds incredibly serious and, we assure you, it is. Here, we explore this rare condition, how it can develop, and, most importantly, the steps we can take to remedy the problem.
Certain breathing issues can flare up suddenly and require immediate action, which is certainly true of reactive airway disease and asthma. Here’s a look at some of the signs of a reactive airway and the steps you should take.
Thyroid nodules are incredibly common. In fact, half of all people get them by age 60. The good news is that they’re mostly benign. However, they can cause symptoms. Here’s a look at what can cause thyroid nodules.
You’re constantly clearing your throat thanks to excess mucus that’s draining out the back of your nose and sinuses, and you’re tired of the irritation. Here’s a look at some of the many potential causes of post-nasal drip.
Are your efforts to be active cut short or limited by your inability to tap into smooth, deep breathing? Here’s a look at what might be behind the problem and how we can help.