I am 40 with nasa polyps. Is surgery a safe option?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 40-year-old woman, and I have been having nasal congestion and a reduced sense of smell for months now. I thought it was allergies, but my ENT said I have nasal polyps. I am nervous because I have never had anything like this before. I was told steroid sprays might help, and maybe even surgery if it gets worse.

Will the polyps keep coming back?
Is surgery safe, and how long is the recovery?
Will I be able to breathe and smell normally again?
I also have asthma. Does that make this worse?

I want to treat it early so it does not affect my breathing long-term.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that develop inside the nasal passages or sinuses, usually as a result of long-term inflammation. They can cause the kind of persistent nasal congestion and reduced sense of smell that you are experiencing.

The first line of treatment is typically a steroid nasal spray. These sprays help shrink the polyps over time and can provide significant relief from symptoms. If the polyps do not respond well or if your symptoms are more severe, your doctor may recommend a short course of oral steroids. In some cases, surgery becomes necessary to physically remove the polyps and clear out the nasal passages.

The idea of surgery can feel intimidating, but it is generally safe and done using an endoscope through the nose, so there are no cuts on the outside. Recovery usually takes about one to two weeks. During that time, your ENT may recommend nasal rinses and follow-up care to help with healing and reduce the chances of the polyps coming back.

It is important to know that nasal polyps can recur, especially if there is an underlying inflammatory condition that is not fully controlled. Since you have asthma, that can increase your risk of recurrence. This may be part of a broader condition like chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps or something called aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (a combination of asthma, nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs).

The good news is that with the right treatment and regular follow-up, most people see significant improvement in their ability to breathe and smell. Along with steroid sprays, your doctor might also consider newer medications like biologics, which specifically target the inflammation behind polyp growth.

You are absolutely right to want to treat this early. Taking action now can help protect your breathing and quality of life in the long run, especially given your asthma. Staying consistent with treatment and follow-up care will be key to keeping the symptoms under control and preventing recurrence.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.