You’re tired of being unable to breathe through your nose; you’re constantly trying to clear your nostrils by blowing your nose or using a nasal spray, and it’s annoying.
Your nose has a purpose. It filters out bacteria and other toxins as you breathe. Chronic nasal congestion can lead to sleep apnea, nosebleeds, headaches, asthma attacks, and chronic sinusitis. Nasal polyps could be causing your nasal congestion.
From his Midtown, New York, office, Board-certified otolaryngologist Nilesh Patel, MD, can examine your nose with a scope, review your medical history, and ask you questions about your symptoms to determine whether nasal polyps are causing your chronic nasal congestion.
A polyp is a group of cells that grows along the lining of your soft tissue. They can be benign or cancerous. Nasal polyps — the type that develops in your nasal passages — aren’t cancerous. However, they can swell and block your nasal passages, making you breathe through your mouth and causing discomfort.
Experts aren’t entirely sure why nasal polyps develop. However, doctors frequently see nasal polyp formation when the tissues in your nose are constantly inflamed.
Sinusitis and allergic rhinitis cause swelling and inflammation of your nasal passages. When they become chronic, nasal polyps may form. Smaller polyps are tear-shaped and may not completely block your nostrils. However, nasal polyps can grow and take on a more grape-like shape, inhibiting airflow through your nose.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you’ve had them, Dr. Patel may recommend conservative treatment or surgery. Medication can relieve symptoms, though it won’t eliminate your nasal polyps. Dr. Patel might prescribe a steroid nasal spray, oral steroids, or a biologic medication.
If medication doesn’t help you enough, Dr. Patel recommends nasal surgery to remove the blockage. He performs endoscopic sinus surgery with a nasal polypectomy.
You’ll be sedated during the procedure. Dr. Patel uses small, specialized instruments to remove your polyps and any inflamed tissue blocking your airway. He may also create more space in your sinuses to help them drain properly.
Do you suffer from chronic nasal congestion? Nasal polyps could be the problem — and we can help restore your quality of life. Call 646-490-4680 to reach Nilesh Patel, MD, in Midtown, New York, today, or use our easy online booking tool to schedule a visit at your convenience.
