What effects do nasal polyps have on breathing?
January 13, 2024 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Jessica Jung
Dear doctor,
My name is Ralf Kronberger and I have been suffering from breathing problems for some time. I have noticed that my nasal breathing is restricted and I often have to breathe through my mouth. Additionally, I feel that my sense of smell is affected and I often suffer from a blocked nose. I have heard about nasal polyps and I wonder if they could be the cause of my symptoms.
I am concerned that the nasal polyps could further impair my breathing and potentially lead to other health problems. I have tried to alleviate my symptoms with nasal sprays and similar remedies, but so far there has been no improvement.
Could you please explain to me what specific effects nasal polyps can have on breathing? Are there possible treatment methods that could help alleviate or even eliminate my symptoms? What steps should I take next to clarify and treat my breathing problems?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Ralf Kronberger
Dear Mr. Kronberger,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise as an ear, nose, and throat doctor. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing breathing problems and suspect that nasal polyps may be the cause. Nasal polyps are benign growths of the nasal mucosa that can occur in the nose or sinuses. They can lead to a variety of symptoms, including restricted nasal breathing, nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, and a frequent need to breathe through the mouth.
The impact of nasal polyps on breathing can be significant. Enlarged polyps can block the airflow in the nose, leading to impaired nasal breathing. This, in turn, may result in an increased need to breathe through the mouth, leading to further issues such as dry mouth and possibly even sleep problems. Additionally, nasal polyps can also affect the sense of smell as they irritate the nasal mucosa and block smell receptors.
Regarding the treatment of nasal polyps, there are various options available depending on the severity of the symptoms. In addition to using nasal sprays and similar medications, surgical removal of the polyps may be necessary in some cases, especially if conservative measures are not sufficient. This surgery is typically minimally invasive and aims to improve nasal breathing and alleviate symptoms.
To further clarify your breathing problems and find the best possible treatment for you, I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment at my practice. Through a personal conversation and a thorough examination, I can analyze your symptoms more accurately and, if necessary, conduct further diagnostics to determine if nasal polyps are indeed the cause of your symptoms. We can then work together to create a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you, and I am available to answer any questions you may have and assist you in resolving your breathing problems.
Best regards,
Jessica Jung, ENT specialist
