The non-cancerous, soft and painless growths found on the lining of nasal passages or sinuses are known as Nasal Polyps. Nasal Polyps can appear to be hanging down like grapes or teardrops. Chronic inflammation that results from asthma, allergies, drug sensitivity, recurring infections, or certain immune disorders cause nasal polyps. Usually, small nasal polyps have no symptoms. Nasal passages can be blocked or one can experience breathing issues, loss of sense of smell and frequent infections if the nasal polyps are larger or present in groups.
Nasal Polyps are not age-specific but generally, they are seen in adults (young and middle-aged). It is seen that the size of polyps reduces or sometimes polyps are eliminated with the help of medicines. But often surgery is needed to completely get rid of them. Even if they are operated on surgically, it doesn't guarantee that they will not return.
Two types of nasal polyps include-
- Ethmoidal
Ethmoidal polyps are single and large. They usually arise from ethmoid sinuses. This type of polyps usually tends to extend through the middle of the meatus into the nasal cavity. - Antrochoanal
Antrochoanal polyps are multiple but smaller in size. Arising in the maxillary sinus these extend into the nasopharynx.
Irritation and swelling on the inner lining of nasal passages that lasts for more than 12 weeks (chronic sinusitis) is a known symptom of nasal polyps. Did you know, chronic sinusitis can be caused without actually having nasal polyps? Since nasal polyps lack sensation and are too soft to be felt, smaller ones are often hard to know.
Common signs of nasal polyps accompanied by chronic sinusitis are-
- Decreased or absence of the sense of smell
- Facial pain or headache
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Loss of sense of taste
- Pain in upper teeth
- Persistent stuffiness
- Postnasal drip
- Runny nose
- Snoring
Immediate medical attention is needed if you experience-
- Double or reduced vision, the limited ability to move your eyes.
- Inability to move your head in the forward direction, fever and severe headache that keeps increasing.
- Very serious trouble in breathing.
- Acute swelling around the eyes.
- The worsening of symptoms is very noticeable.
The symptoms that are experienced due to chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps are similar to many other common diseases. On suffering through these symptoms for more than 10 days, medical attention should be sought immediately.
The causes of nasal polyps are not yet fully clear to scientists. The reasons ‘Why do people develop prolonged inflammations?’ and ‘Why does irritation/swelling trigger nasal polyps in only some people and not in all?’ remains unknown. Even the immune system responses and chemical markers in the mucous of people who develop nasal polyps vary with those who don’t have nasal polyps.
Most commonly, nasal polyps are found in the area sinuses near the eyes, nose and cheekbones. Any condition that can cause irritation or swelling of the nasal passage makes you vulnerable to nasal polyps. Conditions include-
- Allergic fungal sinusitis- an allergy to the airborne fungi
- Cystic Fibrosis- Abnormal thick, sticky fluid is produced in the body along with thick mucus from nasal and sinus linings as a result of a genetic disorder known as cystic fibrosis.
- Aspirin sensitivity
- Churg-Strauss syndrome- A rare disease wherein inflammation of blood vessels is seen.
- Vitamin D deficiency- The body lacks in the quantity of Vitamin D.
- Asthma- A disease-causing swelling of the airway and narrowness.
Nasal polyps can be inherited by a person with a history. It is often seen because of certain genetic variations of immune system functions present in them.
Your symptoms and a general physical exam of your nose and other body parts can help a doctor diagnose. Polyps are even visible with the help of simple lighting instruments.
Tests that can be suggested include-
- Nasal Endoscopy
A thin tube is inserted into the inside of your nose and sinuses to help your doctor see and do a detailed examination. It usually has a magnifying lens that has light or a tiny camera. - Allergy Tests
When the doctor wants to examine whether allergies are contributing to chronic inflammation a skin prick test is suggested. During the test, small drops of allergens that cause allergies are pricked into the skin (on the forearm or upper back). In a case, where allergens cannot be performed, blood tests are suggested. They scan the blood for certain allergens. - Imaging Studies
To know the exact location and size of polyps present in deeper areas of sinuses computerized tomography (CT) is done. Swelling and irritation can also be examined using the results. The scans can also help the doctor rule out certain blockages such as other cancerous or non-cancerous growths. - Blood Tests
Low levels of vitamin D, which is a symptom of nasal polyps, can be examined via blood tests. - Tests for Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the glands producing mucus, tears, saliva and digestive juices. Usually, a test for cystic fibrosis is suggested if your child is diagnosed with nasal polyps. A non-invasive sweat test is a standard diagnostic test for this purpose. It measures the perspiration saltiness and compares it to normal levels.
Homoeopathy treats a person as a whole. Not only is the pathological condition treated but it helps to get rid of various other health problems. While deciding on homoeopathic treatment, your entire medical history and the current pathological condition is examined and then a plan is decided. A miasmatic tendency is also taken into account while treating chronic conditions. Rather than just a typical approach, homoeopathy treats the roots. It treats the reason why the person is sick, and what caused it,
In a conventional approach, the bacteria or viruses causing the condition are treated. But in homoeopathy other factors like the emotional, mental, and physical condition of a person that could cause the illness are also looked into. Modern society and modern medicines deem most diseases as psychosomatic. So, homoeopathy focuses on curing the person as a whole and returning them to their full health. In general, for less advanced disease homoeopathy offers a cure but even in a case of an incurable disease, life quality and expectancy can be improved to a great level.
Homoeopathy can treat nasal polyps! Conventionally it is considered as a disease treated surgically. In the case of homoeopathy, medicines are administered to treat it internally and non-invasively. The symptoms are treated and polyps are shrunken in size with help of these medicines. The medicines are safe, easy to administer and natural, making homoeopathy the most sought alternative to treating nasal polyps.
