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Nasal polyps

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Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. While they are not dangerous, they can cause persistent nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and a reduced sense of smell or taste. Many patients describe the sensation as having a constant blocked nose, similar to a lingering cold that never fully goes away.

Polyps often develop due to chronic inflammation, which may be linked to conditions such as asthma, allergies, or recurrent sinus infections. They can vary in size, ranging from small teardrop-shaped growths to larger formations resembling grapes! If left untreated, nasal polyps can obstruct airflow and contribute to sinus infections.

Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose nasal polyps, I conduct a thorough evaluation that includes:

  • Medical History: Understanding your symptoms—such as nasal congestion, postnasal drip, or difficulty breathing—helps determine the likelihood of polyps.
  • Physical Examination and Endoscopy: In my clinic, I use a nasal endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a camera—to examine the inside of your nasal passages. Many patients find it fascinating to see real-time images of their nasal anatomy on the screen, helping them better understand their condition.
  • Additional Tests: If necessary, I may recommend: 
    • CT Scan: This provides detailed images of the sinuses, helping to assess the extent of polyp growth and rule out other structural issues.
    • Allergy Testing: Since allergies can contribute to chronic nasal inflammation, identifying triggers may be beneficial.
    • Biopsy: Almost all polyps are non-cancerous, but if I see one that looks suspicious I may send for a biopsy to check for cancer (just to be on the safe side)
Nasal polyps
9 Harley Street

Once I have confirmed the presence of nasal polyps, we can explore tailored treatment options:

  • Nasal Sprays: Corticosteroid nasal sprays are often the first line of treatment, helping to reduce inflammation and shrink polyps.
  • Oral Steroids: where nasal sprays are insufficient, a course of oral steroids can be prescribed 
  • Surgical Removal: If polyps persist despite medical treatment, I may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery. This minimally invasive procedure removes polyps while preserving healthy tissue. The surgery ‘trims back’ the polyps and allows for intranasal steroids to work effectively. Most patients experience complete symptom relief after their surgery, but some patients require a more extensive surgical treatment
  • “Full House” Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) – is an extensive surgical procedure which clears all the sinuses (“full house”). This treatment is for patients where polyps have re-grown and continue to cause problems. I am one of the UK’s leading surgeons for FESS and have a very low risk of complications. This surgery is the best way to keep symptoms under control for the longest time period in some cases
  • Long-Term Management: To prevent recurrence, I often advise continued use of steroid nasal sprays and saline rinses and managing allergies like hayfever or dust allergies

Nasal polyps can lead to many other health issues and affect patient’s quality of life. Once diagnosed I will work with you to decide if surgery is right for you or if the condition can be improved or managed with medication. Click here to make an enquiry.