Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, benign growths that develop painlessly inside your nose or sinuses. These fleshy bumps, though common, can enlarge and block your nasal passages. This blockage can lead to a stuffy nose and a cascade of other complications, including chronic sinusitis and sleep apnea.

While small polyps may go unnoticed, causing no problems, larger ones can become disruptive. They can obstruct your airways, leading to difficulty breathing and frequent infections.

At Kimball Health Services, our board-certified ENT surgeon, Dr. William O. Dickey, offers comprehensive treatments for nasal polyps. He creates personalized treatment plans to address your condition effectively and provides surgical options for more severe cases.

Although it is not entirely understood why some people develop nasal polyps while others do not, they are linked to inflammation and chronic sinusitis. 

Chronic sinusitis is a prolonged inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses often caused due to allergies, infections, or asthma.

Nasal polyps can cause no problems at all in their early stages. However, as they grow larger, they can lead to many symptoms. These include:

• Persistent stuffiness in the nose
• Runny nose
• Headaches caused by sinus pressure
• Loss of taste and smell
• Occasional nosebleeds
• Mucus running down the back of the throat (postnasal drip)
• Feeling of fullness or pain in the sinuses
• Disrupted sleep due to blocked airways

When polyps grow larger, they can complications such as:

• Frequent asthma attacks in people with asthma
• Recurring sinus infections 
• Sleep apnea
• Difficulty breathing

At Kimball Health Services, diagnosing nasal polyps involves a detailed approach to assess the size, location, and impact of each polyp. Our team, led by Dr. Dickey, performs a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specific tests.

The process begins with a detailed review of your symptoms and medical history. This helps us understand your condition and any underlying issues, such as asthma or allergies, that may contribute to nasal polyp formation.

A detailed physical examination of your nose and throat is conducted to inspect and identify visible polyps within the nasal passages. 

If the polyp is deeper in your sinuses, a nasal endoscopy may be necessary. This procedure involves using a specialized tool equipped with a light and camera to provide a more detailed view of the nasal cavities.

Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans are performed to obtain precise images of the sinuses. These scans help determine the exact size and location of the polyp. They can also reveal any structural deformities or other growths that may require further evaluation.

We may also conduct allergy testing to identify specific allergens responsible for persistent nasal inflammation and polyp formation. 

We offer various treatment options for nasal polyps to address your specific needs and improve your quality of life. 

Medications are typically the first-line treatment for nasal polyps. They can be used to alleviate your symptoms and reduce inflammation. Various medications that can provide relief include:

• Nasal steroids can help to reduce inflammation and shrink the size of polyps, thus providing relief from symptoms. They can be administered as nasal sprays or oral medications.
• Antihistamines are used to manage symptoms related to allergies that may contribute to nasal polyps.
• Decongestants can be used to provide temporary relief from nasal congestion associated with polyps.
• Antibiotics are prescribed if a bacterial infection is present alongside polyps.
• Biological medicines are used in cases of severe or recurrent nasal polyps.  They work by targeting certain cells or proteins involved in the inflammatory process.

If medications fail to provide relief or if nasal polyps grow large enough to cause significant obstruction, we may recommend surgery to remove them. 

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a common approach to removing larger or persistent polyps and addressing underlying sinus issues contributing to their formation. This procedure involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) to remove polyps and open blocked sinuses.

After surgery, nasal sprays and saline washes are often recommended to help maintain clear nasal passages and prevent the reformation of polyps. 

At Kimball Health Services, we understand the discomfort nasal polyps can cause. Our team will assess your symptoms and the size of the polyps to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan may involve medication or, in some cases, surgery.

As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. 

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online. We're here for you whenever you need us.