How do doctors decide when to remove nasal polyps, and how much does it cost?

Doctor's Answers 1

Thank you for your enquiry. Nasal polyps are usually benign inflammatory growths from the lining of the nasal cavity and sinuses. The cause is largely unknown although chronic sinus infection, allergies, disorder of the immune system and genetic factors have been implicated.

Common symptoms of patients with nasal polyps include:

  • Nasal blockage
  • Facial congestion or pain
  • Postnasal drip (backdrip of mucous from the nose down to the throat)
  • Loss of or decreased sense of smell
  • Thick or coloured nose mucous (when the nose or sinuses are infected)

Troublesome blocked nose are common and I do see many such patients who have failed medical treatments in my clinic. Many of my patients do mistaken the "pink round lumps" attached to the side wall of their nose as "polyps".

Large polyps occupying the entire nasal cavity and visible…>

…>Enlarged turbinates (often called inferior turbinate hypertrophy medically) are one of the most common cause of blocked nose. Enlarged turbinates are commonly found in patients with sensitive nose (medically known as Rhinitis). To find out more about sensitive nose, do check out my article on Human.

To ease your concern, I would suggest a visit to an ENT Specialist for an assessment. A scope through the nose (nasoendoscopy) can be performed in the clinic. This is a relatively painless procedure that takes less than 3 minutes to perform.

As for how to go about seeing an ENT Specialist in Singapore, including costs, do check out my article on Human.

Hope this helps and all the best!

Similar Questions

What is the link between nasal polyps and sinus issues?

I'm sorry to hear that you have been suffering from sinus issues your whole life! I am pretty sure that your nasal polyps are part of the underlying cause of your sinus problems as this link is well-documented. Nasal polyps are usually benign inflammatory growths which arise from the thickened lining of your sinuses. As the nasal polyps grow larger, they start to block off the openings of the sinuses, preventing from draining properly and resulting in the trapping of thick mucus inside the sinuses.

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Why am I getting clear, yellowish discharge from my ears?

Thank you for your question. From the symptoms that you described, you may be suffering from an ear infection. The two most common ear infections are: 1. Otitis externa – infection of the ear canal 2. Otitis media – infection of the space behind the ear drum You will need to see a general practitioner or ENT Specialist to have the infection treated. Since you have been getting an ear discharge, you will most likely need antibiotic ear drops.

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