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What is a sinus polyp? Sinus polyps are teardrop-shaped growths that form around the openings to the sinus cavities. These growths block the nasal passages which causes difficulty in breathing. These can extend up to the opening of the nostrils and even down to the throat. How does a sinus polyp develop? Sinus or nasal polyps develop when the nasal passages are chronically inflamed due to chronic bacterial or viral infection. The condition can be defined as chronic if symptoms last for more than 12 weeks. Who is prone to having sinus polyps? Anyone can be afflicted by polyps, but they are more common to adults especially those who are over forty. People who have asthma and allergies are also mostly likely to have this. It is also observed in people who are prone to sinus infections as well as cystic fibrosis. Symptoms of Sinus Polyps Sinus polyps can be small and large in size. You may have several of these too which can block your nasal passages. You may experience the following symptoms: - snoring - runny nose - no sense of smell - decrease of sense of taste - postnasal drip - stuffed nose Treatments for Sinus Polyps When you have even just one sinus polyp, it can bring lots of pain and inconvenience as you constantly have to deal with the symptoms. But you can always seek medical help to get rid of this problem. Small sinus polyps can be easily cured using drug medications, while the large ones might require surgery for long lasting relief. Here are some of the commonly prescribed medications for sinus polyps: 1. Nasal Corticosteroids – this treatment will help in reducing the inflammation and helps to get rid of polyps, especially the small ones. 2. Other types of Corticosteroids – if the nasal corticosteroids are not effective, other types of this medication are prescribed. But these might cause some side effects and they’re taken only in a short period of time. 3. Other types of medications – other medications are prescribed to treat the inflammation in your sinuses like antihistamines, antibiotics and antifungal medications. If these medications are not helping for the treatment of sinus polyps, surgery is always an option. Normally for large polyps, it’s better to treat it surgically. The types of surgical procedure to be conducted depend on the size and number of polyps present in the nasal passages. The types of surgery can be as follows: 1. Endoscopic sinus surgery – the doctor uses a small tube with magnifying lens or camera which will look into the sinuses and then uses small instruments to remove the polyps. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. 2. Polypectomy – in this type of surgery, the doctor uses a small instrument called microdebrider which cuts and extracts soft tissue. This is done on an outpatient basis too. To know which treatment is best for you, go and visit your doctor and ask about your options. Follow your doctor’s orders strictly for faster recovery. Avoid self-medication as this can bring more harm than good. Though treatments are readily available for this kind of disorder, prevention is still better than cure. Always observe good hygiene and take good care of your nose and sinuses. For more information, please visit http://www.sinusdynamics.com/
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