Video duration 02 minutes 25 seconds
Polyps are bumps that may arise in the nose. They are very common and often remain undetected, but they can cause chronic diseases. What are its symptoms? And how can they be disposed of?
Polyps are bumps in the mucous membrane that can develop in different parts of the body, such as the intestines, stomach or in the uterus, but they often appear in the nose. It consists of mucous tissue and is benign, according to the Deutsche Welle website.
The bumps are usually a few millimeters in size, but they can also grow to several centimeters in size. It often grows from the paranasal sinuses into the main nasal cavity, with men over 30 years old being particularly affected by it.
How are polyps formed?
They often develop when the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, for example, due to viruses or bacteria. And the German “T Online” website quoted the head of the Federal Association of German Pathologists, Professor Karl Friedrich Borig, as saying: “Polyps can also develop for no apparent reason, and then have the characteristics of a tumor.”
According to several studies, it has been proven that polyps are more likely to develop in some people, including people who suffer from intolerance to pain relievers, cystic fibrosis patients, and those who suffer from allergies and asthma.
Symptoms of adenoids
The presence of adenoids in most cases is not noticed, but it can be observed in some cases, such as a runny nose, poor airflow through the nose, or a decreased sense of smell, and persistent snoring is an indication of the presence of polyps.
With such symptoms, an ear, nose, and throat doctor can perform a simple examination to determine if polyps are responsible, and if they need to be removed.
Even after polyps are diagnosed, this does not necessarily mean that they should be removed. If it does not cause problems and is discovered only by chance, it can be left untreated. But if the polyps are still small, they sometimes disappear after 6 months to a year, with the help of nasal sprays or tablets that contain cortisone.
When is the operation necessary for polyps?
If sufferers have severe polyps because they cannot breathe through their nose, surgery is usually necessary. Because with it, the nose no longer performs its function of warming, cleaning and moisturizing the air. Continuous breathing through the mouth, for example, can strain the airways, leading to other diseases.
The following diseases can be caused by untreated polyps
- Sore throat and pharyngitis.
- Laryngitis.
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Sinus infections.
- Inflammation of the middle ear.
And if you have problems with the mucous membranes of the nose and polyps, you should take care of your nose regularly, for example, by washing.
What is done during the process of removing the appendages?
If the polyps are still small and easily accessible, an ear, nose and throat specialist can remove them in the clinic. All that is required is a local anesthetic. Polyps can also be removed using a laser device. After that, the patient must wear a nasal plug for two days, to prevent bleeding, quoting the German “T Online” website.
On the other hand, if the polyps are relatively large or are located in the sinuses, the operation must be performed in a hospital, usually using general anesthesia. The operation is performed through both nostrils. During this time, the surgeon also widens the sinus exits and removes the enlarged mucous membranes.
It is noteworthy that this treatment improves the ventilation of the nose, allows secretions to exit more easily, and reduces the possibility of the formation of polyps again.