I didn't realize that I am suffering for Nasal Polyps until one day I realized that I couldn't smell anything. I had recurring headache and difficulty breathing through my nose. I also have a permanent running nose as if I was having a cold. I took asprin and running nose tablets but it's won't go away. This affect by daily schedule and I had to takemedical leave often.

I decided to find out the cause of my headache and running nose. I did a personal examination of my nose as was surprise to feel that my nasal septum is deviated into the right side. I decided to see a GP about it. The doctor confirmed that my nasal septum is severely deviated into the right side. He referred me to an ENT Specialist, who did a rigid endosopic examination.

The ENT Specialist also confirmed that my nasal septum had severely deviated into the right side. He also told me that I am suffering from Nasal Polyps which required surgical as the polyps have completely obstructing my nasal cavity. Nasal Polyps is defined as fleshly swelling small, sac-like growths consisting of inflammation nasal mucosa that grow on the lining of the nose sinuses. They may be yellowish, grey or pink in color and can very greatly in size. Polyps can either grow singly or in cluster and they usually affect both nostril.

Nasal Polyps can be graded into four types, which are:
o- No visible polyps
1- Polyps confined to middle meatus
2-Polyps beyond middle meatus but not completely obstructing the cavity

While in my case it already a grade 3 stage-Polyps completely obstructing the nasal cavity

I had the surgical treatment done three months later. The procedure is called Polypectomy. This procedure can be used to remove most polyps. It is performed through the nostrils. It is done under local or general anaesthetic, as small surgical instrument are inserted into my nostrils to cut out the polyps. Another type of procedure is Endoscopic sinus surgery. This is a more extensive procedure that not only removed polyps but also opens the parts of the sinus cavity where polyps usually form. If your sinuses are very blocked or inflamed, your surgeon uses a thin rigid tube and a camera called video endoscope. Because endoscopic surgery required small incisions, you generally more quickly and with less discomfort that with other type of surgery.

I regained conscious three hours later with my nose bandaged and have difficulty breathing. I had to use my mouth to breath. I almost choked by my own blood which had clout inside my throat. I had to force it out before I could breathe properly using my mouth. After discharged from the hospital; I was put on medication. I was prescribed both the steroid tablets and the steroid nasal spray. I fully recovered several weeks latter. I was also told to come back every two months for the first year after the operation and twice a year during the second year. According to the doctor the polyps would eventually re-grow and he was right about it and I was wrong. After the third year I though that the polyps would grow back and discontinue on the medication; but I was wrong. Now in 2006 I still having the same problem; headache, breathing difficulty and running nose.

In many cases, polyps can’t be prevented. But if you could manage your symptoms, it may reduce the chances that polyps will develop or recur. I had learned from my experience that taking medications as advised by the doctor and avoiding indoor and outdoor allergent and pollutants would help.

I would like to know if there is any alternative treatment for nasal polyps. I am trying to cut down on hot and spicy food and avoiding dusty area.

Disclaimer

This article is written based on personal experience. It shouldn’t be used as a guide for treatment. Each person had different perception and experience. The advice of qualified medical personal should be sought for treatment.

References