Polyps are benign, non-cancerous growths that occur in the nose and sinuses. They are associated with chronic inflammatory problems such as allergies, asthma and immune disorders. Many patients suffer from chronic nasal congestion, trouble breathing from their nose and lack of smell even after allergy treatment as well as antibiotics. Blockage of the sinuses can lead to recurrent or chronic sinus infections as well as make asthma and allergy symptoms worse. Medications can help relieve symptoms, but often surgery is needed to remove the polyps.
Diagnosis is typically done by in office nasal endoscopy, which is a quick procedure that allows the surgeon to look into the nose and sinuses. Often a numbing spray is used to help lessen any discomfort. A CT and sometimes an MRI is often done to see how the polyps are affecting the sinuses and other surrounding organs. In office CT scanning is done at River ENT, which is less radiation, takes seconds, and saves time as the patient does not need to go to an imaging center and return for a second appointment. Customized treatment can begin much quicker since more information is available to us.
Surgical treatment for polyps can be performed in the operating room or in the office under with local anesthesia (numbing medications) or under mild sedation (medications taken by mouth or by IV to help relax you) using small endoscopic instruments that remove the polyps and relieve congestion, improving breathing and chronic sinus infections. Patients often have immediate improvement after the procedure.
Call River ENT at (512) 677-6368 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
