Nasal polyposis
"The management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. For the last 3 years, the Clinic has had a joint protocol between the Departments of Allergology and Otolaryngology for the diagnosis and treatment of nasal polyps".
DR. JORGE DE ABAJO LARRIBA
SPECIALIST. OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Nasal polyps are whitish formations that appear on the inside of the nostrils or sinuses and are due to an inflammatory process of the mucosa.
These polyps are benign, but can grow to the point of completely blocking the nasal passages.
The great experience of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra in the endoscopic removal of polyps makes the intervention less aggressive.
The subsequent control of the patients, together with an adequate diagnosis of the allergological cause, allows for a good evolution in many patients.
What are the symptoms of nasal polyposis?
At the beginning, the symptomatology is usually a feeling of nasal occupation without breathing difficulty. As the disease evolves, other symptoms appear such as nasal breathing difficulty, altered sense of smell, etc.
Other symptoms are: headaches, feeling of heaviness in the area, general malaise, dry mouth and nasal voice (rhinolalia).
Most common symptoms:
- Alteration of smell (anosmia).
- Increased nasal mucus.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Snoring.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
You may have nasal polyposis
What are the causes?
The cause of nasal polyposis is unknown.
Initially it was believed that the cause was allergic, but this is not always the case.
Repeated inflammation of the nasal mucosa, due to e.g. rhinitis or sinusitis, anatomical changes of the nasal cavities or sinuses, can be factors favouring the appearance of nasal polyps.
What is the prognosis?
The later control of the patients, together with an adequate diagnosis of the allergologic cause, allows that in many patients a good evolution is achieved.
How is nasal polyposis treated?
Traditional treatment is not always effective: sometimes they only respond to steroids, and when surgery is performed, polyps sometimes reappear after a few months if they are not properly resected.
Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a very effective procedure to correct nasal pathologies such as sinusitis, septal deviation, polyps and nose tumors, skull base tumors....
It is performed through the opening of the nostrils: no incisions. A thin fiber optic instrument (endoscope) is introduced through the nose.
The intervention facilitates the drainage of mucus from the sinuses without the risk of damaging the natural function of the mucosa, reduces pain, improves breathing and even improves smell and sleep.
The period of hospitalization is minimal.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
The Department of Otolaryngology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Navarra Clinic is a national and world reference in numerous highly specialized surgical procedures.
We have the latest technology and we perform all diagnostic tests in less than 48 hours in order to offer our patients the best solution in the shortest time possible.
We were one of the first centers in Spain to use robotic surgery in the surgical treatment with the Da Vinci® System.
Organized in specialized units:
- Otology - Hearing.
- Rhinology - Nose.
- Pharyngology - Throat.
- Laryngology - Voice.
- Balance disorders.
- Head and neck problems.
Why at the Clinica?
- Experts in the treatment of hearing problems.
- Pioneers in axillary surgery to avoid scarring.
- National reference center in tissue sealing for tonsil removal.
Our team of professionals
