Nasal Polyps Specialist

What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of your sinuses or nasal passages. The underlying cause of polyps isn’t well understood, but you may be prone to developing the growths if you have sinus inflammation relating to chronic sinusitis, frequent infections, allergies, or immune disorders.

While nasal polyps are typically harmless, they can grow large enough or develop in clusters that block your nasal passages. This blockage can limit your breathing and lead to recurrent sinus infections. You can also lose your sense of smell because of polyps.

When should I seek treatment for nasal polyps?

You might have nasal polyps with no obvious symptoms. However, if the polyps enlarge or if you have multiple polyps, you may experience symptoms that interfere with your breathing and quality of life.

You can schedule a diagnostic evaluation with Dr. James if you have symptoms that may indicate the presence of nasal polyps, such as:

• Runny nose
  
• Nosebleeds
  
• Postnasal drip
  
• Nasal congestion
  
• Loss of smell or taste
  
• Pressure or pain in your face
  

You should also seek help if you find sleeping difficult because of loud breathing or snoring.

How are nasal polyps treated?

Typically, Dr. James recommends medications in the initial treatment of nasal polyps. Corticosteroids can reduce swelling in your sinuses and nasal passages to improve your breathing. Medications can also help shrink the size of the polyps or destroy them completely.

Dr. James can also prescribe medicines to treat existing chronic sinusitis, allergies, and other conditions that increase your risk for new polyp growth.

When your nasal polyps aren’t treatable with medications, you may be a candidate for surgery to remove them. 

Dr. James uses the most recent technology to prevent polyps from recurring, including minimally invasive, endoscopic surgical techniques to remove obstructive nasal polyps. This procedure involves the insertion of a small tube with an attached camera into your nasal passages.

The camera sends real-time images of your inner nasal structures to a monitor that Dr. James watches to remove the growths with the highest level of precision. He may also widen the passages to promote better drainage of mucus.

If you’re tired of living with a stuffy nose and facial pain, schedule a diagnostic evaluation for nasal polyps by calling the office of Joshua C. James, MD, or by requesting an appointment through the online booking system today.