A stuffy nose is a very common complaint for many people. Most people assume it's simply a cold, flu, or allergies. However, if your nose feels constantly blocked, especially on one or both sides, it could be due to nasal polyps —a condition that often goes unnoticed because its symptoms mimic those of common nasal problems.
So, what exactly are nasal polyps and when should you see an ENT specialist?
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft lumps that grow on the lining of the nose or sinus cavities due to long-term inflammation. They resemble small drops of water or grapes and are generally noncancerous .
Polyps can appear on one or both sides of the nose. As they grow larger, they can block the nasal passages, causing various symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
Why Do Polyps Occur?
The exact cause of nasal polyps is not fully understood, but this condition is often associated with chronic inflammation of the nose and sinuses. Several factors that can increase the risk of developing polyps include:
- Chronic sinusitis (prolonged sinus inflammation).
- Frequent nasal allergies.
- Asthma.
- Family history of nasal polyps.
- Recurrent respiratory tract infections.
Continuous inflammation causes the lining of the nose to swell and over time can form polyps.
Symptoms That Are Often Considered Trivial
Because they develop slowly, many people don't realize they have nasal polyps. The most common symptoms are:
- Constantly blocked nose.
- Difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Prolonged cold.
- Mucus running down the throat (post nasal drip).
- Frequent sneezing.
- Pressure or feeling of fullness in the facial area.
- Decreased ability to smell.
- The voice becomes nasal.
This complaint is often mistaken for a flu that won't go away, but it can actually be caused by polyps blocking the nasal passages.
Signs to Watch Out For
Immediately consult an ENT specialist if you experience:
- Stuffy nose for more than 12 weeks.
- Doesn't get better with common cold medicines.
- Reduced or lost sense of smell.
- Frequent headaches or pain around the eyes and cheeks.
- Snoring during sleep due to difficulty breathing through the nose.
Early treatment can prevent polyps from enlarging and causing more serious problems.
How Do Doctors Know If You Have Polyps?
An ENT specialist will usually perform a nasal examination using special equipment, one of which is a nasal endoscope . This examination allows the doctor to see the inside of the nose and sinuses more clearly.
In some cases, the doctor may also recommend a sinus CT scan to determine the size of the polyps and the condition of the sinus cavity in more detail.
Can Nasal Polyps Be Cured Without Surgery?
Not all polyps require surgery. For small polyps, doctors will usually prescribe medications to reduce inflammation, such as:
- Nasal spray containing corticosteroids.
- Certain oral medications according to the patient's condition.
- Therapy for accompanying allergies or sinusitis.
If the polyps shrink, nasal congestion can improve without surgery. Therefore, early examination is crucial.
When is Surgery Necessary?
Surgery is usually considered if:
- Polyps are large and block the nasal passages.
- Symptoms do not improve with treatment.
- Sinusitis often recurs.
- Persistent loss of smell.
One of the surgical methods that is widely used today is FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) , which is a procedure through the nostrils using an endoscopic camera without incisions on the face.
Can Polyps Recur?
Nasal polyps can recur, especially if the underlying cause of the inflammation is not controlled. Therefore, after treatment or surgery, patients usually still need regular check-ups and maintenance therapy as recommended by their doctor.
Controlling allergies, asthma, and maintaining respiratory health can help reduce the risk of relapse.
Immediately have yourself checked by an ENT specialist.
Nasal polyps are a common cause of chronic nasal congestion that often goes unnoticed because the symptoms mimic those of a common cold or allergies. If you experience persistent nasal congestion, a decreased sense of smell, or recurring sinusitis, don't delay seeing an ENT specialist.
With a proper diagnosis, nasal polyps can be treated early, allowing for easier breathing and a more comfortable quality of life.
Article written by Dr. B. Vimala Acala Pramuditya, Sp.THT-KL (Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).