TREATMENT FOR SINUS POLYPS
GET RELIEF FROM SINUS POLYPS
WHAT ARE SINUS POLYPS?
The nose and sinuses are lined with mucous membranes just like the mouth, the throat or the voice box, and the lungs or the intestines. Polyps are outgrowths of mucosa that project into the nasal or sinus cavities and cause blockage. There may be one polyp as in antrochoanal polyp or many polyps as in the condition of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, or in inverting papilloma or even in cancer or allergic fungal sinusitis. Therefore, all polyps need to be investigated by an examination with an endoscope through the nose, similar to a colonoscopy for large intestine polyps.
HOW ARE THESE POLYPS TREATED? IS SURGERY NECESSARY?
Depending on the size of the polyp, or if they are present only on one side vs both sides, or if they are associated with thick dense brownish or greenish mucin, or if they are suggestive of the tumor, different approaches are recommended. For some surgery is the best first option. For others, a trial of nasal steroids, oral steroids, and occasionally, an antibiotic may be recommended first
Book your appointment with Dr. Khetarpal if you are experiencing these symptoms to determine if you have sinus polyps.
WHEN IS SURGERY NECESSARY?
For benign polyps, the trial of medication and nasal sprays is attempted first and if there is a marginal improvement, then surgery is recommended. Surgery is generally recommended for polyps that are associated with fungal sinusitis or suggest tumors or even cancer. Cancers may require radiation and chemotherapy besides surgery.
WHAT IF MY POLYPS KEEP RECURRING AFTER MEDICAL AND PREVIOUS SURGERY?
In a fair number of patients who were initially diagnosed with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, these polyps tend to recur and may require continued medical treatment, allergy management, and immunotherapy, or repeat more aggressive surgery and intermittent or more chronic use of oral steroids.
WHAT ABOUT XOLAIR?
Xolair is an anti-IgE antibody that was approved for chronic persistent asthma which is not responding to medicines. It can be beneficial in patients with repeat polyps and asthma.
I KEEP SEEING ADS FOR DUPIXENT AND I HAVE POLYPS. AM I A CANDIDATE?
Dupixent is a newer drug that binds the alpha subunit of the IL4 interleukin and has been approved for use for recurrent sinonasal polyps that have failed previous treatment including at least one surgery. This is a long-term treatment that gives relief to many patients and on stopping the treatment, the polyps may return.