Polyps in the nose: symptoms, causes, treatment

Polyps in the nose are oval or round formations. They arise against the background of chronic inflammation and are benign. Polyps in the nose make it difficult for a person to breathe and require immediate treatment.

Causes of polyps in the nose

Polyps are formed due to the development of an inflammatory process, as a result of which the nasal mucosa is injured. Various reasons can provoke such inflammation:

• frequent infectious diseases and colds, which are accompanied by a runny nose;
• acquired or congenital immunity deficiency;
• foci of infections that occur in the nasal cavity;
• individual sensitivity to various kinds of stimuli ( allergies);
• certain medical conditions, such as asthma or aspirin intolerance;
• hypothermia, as well as a sharp change in climate.

In addition, the risk group includes smokers and drinkers of alcoholic beverages, as well as people who are prone to depression or are often stressed.

Depending on the place of development, there are two types of polyps. In adults, they usually develop on both sides of the nose, while in children, polyps tend to grow on only one side.

Symptoms of nasal polyps

The development of a polyp in the nose consists of several stages:

• The first stage is characterized by nasal congestion as tissue begins to grow. The danger of this stage is that the polyp begins to squeeze the vessels of the mucous membrane. At this time, the tonsils may begin to become inflamed, otitis media, tonsillitis, tonsillitis may appear.
• In the second stage, the patient begins to lose his sense of smell. A person may begin to sneeze for no reason, there is a nasal feeling, a tickling sensation in the nose. In addition, frequent headaches appear, a person feels a general malaise. Sometimes the ears begin to block, which indicates that the polyp has grown to the auditory tubes, which are located in the nasopharynx.
• The third stage is a continuation of the second, only the symptoms are already more severe. The patient completely loses his sense of smell, headaches torment him more often, the temperature periodically rises. If polyps develop against the background of intolerance to aspirin or bronchial asthma, asthma attacks may occur.

If you find any symptoms, you should urgently consult a doctor. Self-treatment is contraindicated in such cases.

Polyps in the nose in children

Have children, problems with polyps in the nose occur especially often. This is due to the weak immunity of babies. He cannot fight microbes on his own, so the tissues of the body do it themselves. As a result, polyps begin to develop.

As a rule, the causes of polyps in children are as follows:

• Hereditary predisposition.
• Curvature of the nasal septum. Especially often such injuries occur in boys.
• Allergic rhinitis. In this case, you need to find and eliminate the source of the allergy as soon as possible.
• Frequent infections. Babies are prone to infectious diseases, and due to frequent rhinitis, a large number of leukocytes accumulate on the mucous membrane.

The worst thing is when polyps form in infants: subsequently, such children may lag behind in development. In older babies and schoolchildren, polyps are easily determined on examination by a doctor, which allows for timely treatment.

Treatment of polyps in the nose

If the polyp has grown, then it can shorten a person's life by as much as six years. Therefore, it is important to contact an ENT specialist as early as possible and carry out appropriate treatment.

Polyps are treated with various methods. In the most serious cases, an operation is prescribed. This happens if bleeding constantly appears from the nose, snoring or asthma attacks occur, or if the nose is completely blocked by growths. To remove polyps, doctors may resort to operations such as endoscopy, laser removal, polypotomy where a hook is used to remove it, and surgery that uses a shaver.

In other cases, drug treatment is carried out. The patient can be prescribed antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs to increase immunity.

Methods of traditional medicine are often used. Such treatment can only be carried out with the permission of a doctor. Here are some well-known folk remedies:

• Propolis. The drug, loved by many, is also effective in the fight against polyps. For this, pieces of cotton wool are impregnated with propolis ointment and left in the nose for a long time, preferably at night.
• Celandine. This is an excellent antibacterial agent, so celandine drops will also help with polyps.
• Decoctions and infusions of chamomile and calendula. These medicinal herbs reduce inflammation and boost immunity.

To prevent the appearance of polyps, you need to take preventive measures, because it is much more difficult to cure the disease. First of all, you need to monitor your diet, which should contain a maximum of vitamins.

In addition, it is important to constantly monitor your health, to protect yourself from hypothermia and colds. If, nevertheless, an infection has entered the body, it is necessary to eliminate its focus as soon as possible. Pay more attention to the prevention of colds: visit the bathhouse more often, pick up a good complex of vitamins.

Protection from stressful situations also plays an important role. It is not for nothing that it is said that all diseases are from nerves: healthy optimism and a calm attitude towards life will help not only preserve the psyche, but also get rid of many internal diseases.

Finally, you need to see your doctor regularly. The specialist will monitor your health and help you determine a strategy for further treatment.

Of course, polyps are an unpleasant disease. Nevertheless, the measures taken in time will allow you to recover and avoid complications.