Nasal polyps are small, tear-shaped, noncancerous growths that form in the lining of your nose and sinuses. They affect up to 40% of the general population. While they’re usually painless, swollen or irritated, polyps can cause obstructed breathing, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, loss of taste or smell, snoring, sinus pressure, postnasal drip, and nosebleeds.
If nasal polyps cause symptoms, your sinus expert may recommend a polypectomy to improve airflow.
What Is a Polypectomy?
A polypectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove one or more polyps from the nose or sinuses. During a polypectomy, your sinus expert will use a microdebrider and suction to remove the necessary polyps and surrounding tissue.
During the surgery, your sinus expert may also widen the sinus openings to reduce inflammation and other symptoms.
How Do I Know If a Polypectomy Is Right for Me?
Your sinus specialist will likely recommend a polypectomy for smaller nasal polyps, while larger polyps may require endoscopic sinus surgery. Before proceeding with a polypectomy, they typically begin with a thorough review of your medical history and a physical examination.
What Does the Recovery Look Like?
You may experience bleeding, pain, fatigue, nasal congestion, or discharge for a few days after a polypectomy. Your sinus expert will likely give you a few post-op care instructions, including but not limited to the following:
- Avoid blowing your nose for at least 10 days
- Avoid weight-lifting and other strenuous exercises
- Use a saline nasal spray to ease discomfort
- Irrigate the sinuses with a sinus rinse kit a few times a day
- Do not take medication or use nasal sprays that weren’t prescribed to you by your sinus expert
Most patients can resume regular activity after two weeks, but it may take one to two months to feel completely normal again.
Make Your Sinus Appointment Today
Nasal polyps can be frustrating, but you don’t have to deal with them alone. Call the experts Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today to discuss whether a polypectomy is right for you.