Terrified by Nasal Polyp?

When it comes to nasal and respiratory health, the subject of nasal polyps is not often talked about. But did you know that a nasal polyp can cause sinusitis? Likewise, people with allergic rhinitis are prone to nasal polyp growths whereas an estimated 20% of chronic sinusitis patients develop nasal polyp in the sinus cavities. According to the National Academy on an Aging Society, acute and chronic sinusitis is the most chronic condition in the United States. On top of that, chronic sinusitis health expenditure amounts to $6 billion every year.

A Closer Look at Nasal Polyps
A nasal polyp is an overgrowth of tissue from the mucous membrane of the nose and paranasal sinuses. These polypoidal masses are usually classified into two groups : antrochoanal polyps (arising from the maxillary sinuses, unilateral and single) and ethmoidal polyps (coming from the ethmoidal sinuses, multiple and bilateral). Children usually develop antrochoanal polyps while adults can have ethmoidal polyps. Aside from chronic sinusitis, nasal polyp presence can cause several diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, nasal mastocytosis and Kartagener’s syndrome. If you are prone to nasal allergies, it is helpful to be checked by an allergist, immunologist and/or ENT to further examine your condition and to know if nasal polyps have developed in the sinus area.

Nasal Polyp and Sinusitis
Sinusitis can be associated with nasal polyp since patients with growths in the sinus cavity experience nasal blockage, facial swelling, congestion, cough, and a throbbing headache. If not treated, nasal polyps and sinus infections can lead to further infection of the nose, eyes, and middle ear. There are several options in treating sinusitis, such as the utilization of nasal sprays, oral antibiotics, over the counter drugs, IV therapy, nebulized therapy, nasal washing and sinus surgery. A nasal polyp is usually treated with steroids.

When Surgery Is Needed
Multiple growths of nasal polyp is known as polyposis. Often times, if the polyps are blocking the sinus cavities, doctors will recommend a surgical procedure to remove the nasal polyps. Although sinus surgery helps, 70% of patients reported re-occurrence of nasal growths.

Aerosolized Therapy
One of the most advanced treatments available today is aerosolized sinus therapy to alleviate chronic sinusitis. Patients who have undergone this type of therapy are very pleased and amazed with the results of the procedure. With aerosolized sinus therapy, liquid medication (antibiotic, antifungal, and/or anti-inflammatory) is nebulized via a small and compact nebulizer device. When liquid medication is pumped by the nebulizer, the mist inhaled by the patient directly goes to the sinus cavity. Sinus relief is immediate and effective. Doctors prescribe aerosolized sinus therapy to chronic sinus patients and allergic rhinitis sufferers.

Sinus Rinse
One way to prevent the development and reoccurrence of nasal polyp is through sinus rinse e.g. nasal rinse, or nasal wash. A sinus rinse entails washing the nasal passages with water and a salt solution. This is very ideal for allergy prone individuals who are often exposed to airborne allergens. Sinus rinse products nowadays are easy to use and convenient. Sinus pharmacies have made it easy for individuals to perform nasal washing by offering sinus rinse kits. An example of this is ActiveSinus.

Don’t let nasal polyp and sinusitis let you down. Take an active role in beating sinusitis with the latest technology around.