Nasal polyps are small, sac-like growths made up of inflamed tissue lining the nose (nasal mucosa).

CAUSES OF NASAL POLYP

Nasal polyps start near the ethmoid sinuses (located at the top of the inside of the nose) and grow into the open areas. Large polyps may block the airway.

Having any of the following conditions may make people more likely to get nasal polyps

• Asthma
• Chronic sinus infections
• Cystic fibrosis
• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• About one in four people with cystic fibrosis have nasal polyps.

Immune deficiency

The most common immune deficiency is IgA deficiency. IgA is the immune protein that helps to protect the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract from infections. 1 in 300 people have an immune deficiency but a significantly higher percentage of chronic sinusitis sufferers have IgA deficiency. Classically recurring acute sinus infections rather than chronic sinus infections are indicative of immune deficiency but the distinction between the two is sometimes blurred. If a patient has recurring sinus and ear infections as well as a history of pneumonia, then serious consideration should be given to an immune deficiency evaluation.

SYMPTOMS OF NASAL POLYP

• Blocked nose.
• Frequent sinus infections.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Patient breathes through the mouth.
• Thick nasal discharge.
• Post nasal drainage (drainage from nose down the throat).
• Pain and tenderness over forehead and face.
• Heavy snoring at night.
• Loss of sense of smell and taste.
• Frequent nose bleeds

DIAGNOSIS OF NASAL POLYP

Allergy skin testing : Testing and treatment for immediate sensitivity to environmental allergens is important for all chronic sinus patients. It is not always easy to distinguish allergic from non allergic patients on clinical grounds alone.

Nasal Endoscopy : Usually a direct look in the nose identifies many things such as anatomic causes of sinusitis, sinus drainage or nasal polyps. However, in some cases the inflammation is restricted to the sinus cavities themselves which cannot be viewed directly unless someone has already had nasal surgery to open the passages.

Sinus CAT scan : This test is the gold standard for the diagnosis of sinusitis. If the CAT scan does not show swelling within the sinus passages then chronic sinusitis is not the diagnosis. However, this does not rule out a nasal source of sinus pain.

CBC : The amount of eosinophils in Nasal Polyps is related to eosinophilia of the peripheral blood, but not to elevated serum IgE.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR NASAL POLYP

Chronic nasal catarrh and when the nasal discharges are of thick, yellowish green, tough, viscid character.Very useful for nose feels stuffed up with fullness and pain at the root of nose.There is inability to breathe through mouth.Given when post nasal discharges are mostly thick, ropy and viscid nature.Very useful for nasal polyps associated with chronic sinusitis.

CALCAREA CARB : Useful for nasal polyps for left sided nasal polyps with blocked polyp. There is fetid yellow discharge from nose.Also there is soreness and ulcerated sensation in nose.Useful for offensive odor in nose with much swelling at the root of nose. Suited to persons who tend to take cold very easily.

SANGUINERIA CAN : Useful for nasal polyps with great affinity to treat nasal polyps on right side.There is Chronic profuse nasal discharge and sneezing.Nasal membranes are swollen and congested.Useful for nasal polyp with right sided headache.

TEUCRIUM : Well indicated medicine for post nasal polyps with obstruction of nose on the side lain.There is much sneezing and stoppage of nostrils. Useful for crawling sensation in nose . Also useful when sense of smell is lost.There is large offensive crusts may pass from nose.Given when there is hawking of mucus from throat also appears along with.

PHOSPHORUS : Useful for nasal polyps that bleed easily.There is also marked coryza with alternation between dry and watery coryza.Given when there is sneezing, nasal blockage and loss of smell along with polyps .

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