Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous inflammatory growths of the mucous membrane lining of the nose and sinus.

Nasal polyps are peeled grape-like in appearance and can hang down from the nose.

Patients with nasal polyps often complain of a persistent cold with symptoms including:

Nasal Congestion
Decreased Sense of Smell
Mouth Breathing
Runny Nose

The cause of nasal polyps is not known but is speculated to be secondary to chronic inflammation. Accordingly, conditions causing chronic airway inflammation are frequently associated with nasal polyps.

Conditions associated with nasal polyps include:

Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Aspirin Sensitivity (also includes other NSAIDS)
Asthma
Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Cilia Dyskinetic Syndrome
Churg-Strauss
Cystic Fibrosis
Rhinitis
Young Syndrome

The role of allergies in the development of nasal polyps is controversial. Several studies show that the development of nasal polyps occurs more frequently in patients with non-allergic rhinitis and non-allergic asthma than in patients with allergic disease.

Allergists are experts in nasal polyps and diagnose this condition by history, exam, rhinoscopy, and imaging if necessary.

The goals in the treatment of nasal polyps are to prevent recurrence and improve nasal symptoms.

Treatment includes:

Topical and/or Oral Steroids
Aspirin Desensitization (if applicable in cases of aspirin sensitivity)
Other Medications
Surgery

By visiting an Allergist, you too can take control of your nasal polyps and improve your quality of life.

Conditions Treated

Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots,” is prescribed to modify the immune system’s response to allergens with the goal of minimizing and/or preventing an allergen initiated inflammatory response.
Allergy Drops & Tablets

Allergy drops, and tablets are two forms of sublingual immunotherapy that are injection-free alternatives to allergy shots. Both contain environmental allergen such as pollen, dust mites, molds, cat, or dog.
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that usually starts in childhood but can occur at any age. Allergists are considered the experts in asthma and diagnose this condition by history, exam and breathing tests of the airways.
Allergy & Sinus

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US. Individuals with allergic rhinitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings.
Food Allergy

Food allergy affects 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States and is defined as an adverse health event that is immune mediated and occurs reproducibly. Individuals with IgE mediated food allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against food allergens.
Allergic Rashes

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes.”
Other Conditions