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Nasal Polyps (Endoscopic Polyp Removal)

Nasal Polyp Treatment in Austin, TX

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop in the nasal passages or sinuses as a result of long-term inflammation. They often occur as a result of chronic sinusitis, recurring sinus infections, nasal allergies, or other conditions that irritate the nose or sinuses over time. Nasal polyps usually begin as small areas of swelling in the sinus lining, known as “polypoid degeneration,” and can gradually enlarge into large polyps that may reduce airflow, narrow the sinus passages, and contribute to difficulty breathing, sinus pressure, or a persistent stuffy nose.

Because nasal polyps are soft, they may grow silently at first. Over time, however, nasal polyp symptoms such as runny nose, postnasal drip, stubborn cough, or facial pain can develop. In many cases, more than one polyp may form, creating clusters that further obstruct the nasal cavity and worsen breathing problems. Although nasal polyps are noncancerous growths, they can still cause significant discomfort. They may interfere with the ability for the sinuses to drain and result in chronic sinus infections.

At Sinus & Snoring Specialists, our expert ENT specialists can diagnose nasal polyps using CT scans and a tiny camera attached to a small telescope during nasal endoscopy. Our ENT specialists will review your medical history, evaluate your nose and throat, and determine whether polyps are causing symptoms or contributing to chronic inflammation. From there, our specialists create a personalized treatment plan. 

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What Are The Symptoms Of Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps can cause a wide range of symptoms because these noncancerous growths block the nasal passages and sinus passages, making it difficult for air and mucus to move normally. As polyps enlarge, patients often experience severe congestion, nose feels stuffy, and difficulty breathing. Many people also develop mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea. They are also typically associated with chronic and recurring sinus infections. Other common symptoms include the following:

  • Runny Nose
  • Postnasal Drip
  • Constant stuffiness
  • Congestion
  • Nasal blockage
  • Mouth Breathing
  • Snoring
  • Sinus Pressure
  • Drainage
  • Sinus Infections

These symptoms can often overlap with allergies, asthma, or chronic sinusitis, which is why our doctors diagnose nasal polyps using CT scans and nasal endoscopy with a tiny camera and small telescope.

Read Blog Post: What Are Nasal Polyps
Read Blog Post: What Is the Purpose of a Nasal Endoscopy and CT Scan

What Is An Endoscopic Polyp Removal?

Endoscopic polyp removal is a modern, minimally invasive procedure used to remove nasal polyps from the nasal passages and sinuses. In the past, it used to be an extensive procedure with complex techniques and a longer recovery time. Now, with advanced endoscopic sinus techniques, they can be safely removed as an office-based procedure under IV sedation. 

During endoscopic polyp removal, our ENT uses a small telescope to visualize the polyps inside the nasal cavity. This high-definition view makes it possible to precisely target both small polyps and large polyps. Once the polyps are identified, a specialized suction instrument can be used to vacuum the polyps away, reducing inflammation and restoring airflow. 

At Sinus & Snoring Specialists, endoscopic polyp removal is often performed in conjunction with balloon sinuplasty, where a small balloon is used to open the sinus passages, and a sinus wash to clear the associated sinus infection or chronic inflammation. This combined approach helps improve drainage and prevent nasal polyps from returning.

Because this technique is minimally invasive and performed under IV sedation, patients typically experience a comfortable experience, rapid recovery, and immediate improvement in breathing. It is an effective nasal polyp treatment option for individuals whose polyps are causing symptoms that medicines, nasal sprays, or other conservative therapies cannot remedy.

Why Is Endoscopic Polyp Removal Performed?

Endoscopic polyp removal is often performed to safely remove nasal polyps that obstruct the nasal passages and contribute to symptoms of congestion, sinus pressure, and trouble breathing. At Sinus & Snoring Specialists, this minimally invasive procedure is often performed in conjunction with balloon sinuplasty and completed under IV sedation in our office.

Using a small 4mm nasal endoscope connected to a camera, our ENT can precisely visualize the nasal passages and identify both small polyps and large polyps. A specialized tool called a suction microdebrider is then used to gently remove the polyps without damaging any of the surrounding tissues. Clearing these noncancerous growths opens up the nasal airway, improves access to the sinus drainage pathways, and enhances the effectiveness of the balloon sinuplasty. As a result, it helps relieve the symptoms caused by nasal polyps, as described earlier. It is a key component of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with polyps that are causing symptoms or interfering with normal airflow.

Nasal Polyps – Hear from Our Patients

“Friendly, professional staff that work hard to provide the best experience for all their patients. I had a balloon sinuplasty performed by Doctor Slaughter and his team and I couldn’t be happier with the results! The results were immediate and the recovery took only a couple days! If you have been on the fence about going to better your sleeping/general breathing situation please do yourself a huge favor and visit Sinus and Snoring! So grateful for the whole team and their
enthusiasm to provide genuine patient care! “

– L.E.

“Dr. Slaughter is simply the kindest and professional doctor I’ve seen in a long time. He
absolutely makes you feel important and not only listens to you, but explains everything in a way
that’s easy for a patient to understand. Absolutely Recommended”

– T.B.

“Really appreciated the entire staff. Very knowledgeable and efficient, but also warm and
friendly. Exactly what I want when I visit a medical professional!”

– M.W

What Causes Polyps In The Nose?

Nasal polyps develop due to chronic inflammation in the nose and sinuses, especially in people with a genetic predisposition to polyp formation. When the immune system reacts to ongoing irritation, the sinus lining can swell and form small nasal polyps that may gradually enlarge over time. Common triggers include allergies, structural issues such as a deviated septum, and recurring sinus infections, all of which can inflame the sinus passages and contribute to polyp formation. 

In some cases, conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, or sensitivity to tobacco smoke or chemical fumes can worsen inflammation and make it more likely for patients to develop nasal polyps. Because polyps are noncancerous growths, they are not dangerous on their own, but they can cause significant symptoms when they block airflow and interfere with sinus function, so it’s important to have them addressed.

What Foods Make Nasal Polyps Worse?

Certain foods may worsen symptoms in individuals with strong allergies to pollen and/or food, exposure can increase inflammation in the nose and throat, making it more likely for polyps to grow or return. While food triggers vary widely, anything that provokes an allergic response may contribute to causing symptoms or worsening congestion.

In certain individuals, taking aspirin or medications like ibuprofen can also trigger or worsen nasal polyps. This reaction is often associated with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), a condition involving asthma, nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin. Because reactions differ from person to person, it’s important to discuss any suspected triggers with our ear, nose, and throat specialists, who can help determine whether allergies, medications, or environmental factors are contributing to your symptoms. 

Alternative Treatments For Nasal Polyps

Several nasal polyp treatment options can help shrink nasal polyps, reduce inflammation, and prevent recurrence. When small nasal polyps are found early, they may regress with medicines such as nasal sprays, corticosteroid nasal sprays, or other therapies aimed at reducing inflammation in the nose or sinuses. If polyps do not improve, endoscopic removal along with balloon sinuplasty is the next step. 

Resolving associated chronic sinusitis is critical to prevent polyps from returning. Balloon sinuplasty has a 98.6% success rate in resolving chronic and recurring sinusitis by allowing the sinuses to drain normally.

Once the polyps and sinus infection have been addressed, a comprehensive polyp-prevention program must be followed. This includes excellent allergy management. In our office, we perform allergy skin testing to identify the patient’s allergies and use allergy drop therapy to teach their immune system to block their allergies before they can occur. This helps prevent nasal polyps from redeveloping.

Biologic therapy to block the chemicals that create polyps is also very important for polyp prevention. Medications like Dupixent (and other biologic treatments) are prescription medications used to prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps in those 12 years and older. These biological medications target the specific part of the immune system that leads to polyp production. Sublingual immunotherapy with allergy drops and biologic therapy work together by targeting different pathways in the immune system and work best in combination to provide comprehensive coverage for the prevention of nasal polyps. Biologic therapies are given as an injection under the skin once or twice a month in the thigh by the patient at home. If prescribed, you will be shown in the office how to administer the injection.

Can You Pull Out Nasal Polyps At Home?

Removing nasal polyps is a surgical procedure and cannot be done safely at home. Because polyps are noncancerous growths located deep within the nasal cavity, proper removal requires specialized tools and evaluation of underlying structural issues that may exist in the nose, along with clearing any associated infection. Attempting to remove polyps at home can worsen symptoms, cause bleeding, or lead to infection. Only a trained ENT specialist can determine the safest way to remove nasal polyps.

Can The Polyp Return After Treatment?

In most cases, nasal polyps do not return if the underlying sinus infection is treated and allergies are well managed, often with the help of biologic therapies. However, some individuals have a tendency to develop nasal polyps repeatedly due to genetics, chronic inflammation, or severe allergic sensitivity. In these cases, polyps may require periodic removal. Fortunately, modern nasal polyp surgery and endoscopic sinus surgery are minimally invasive procedures that typically involve minimal discomfort and a quick recovery. Ongoing treatments such as allergy drop therapy and newer biologic options like Dupixent can significantly help keep symptoms under control and lower the risk of recurrence.

What Is The Recovery From A Polyp Removal Procedure?

Recovery from endoscopic polyp removal is generally quick and comfortable. Patients may experience a cold-like sensation for a few days and mild bloody nasal discharge for 1-2 days. Most patients do not require pain medication and are able to return to work the day after the procedure. Because this is a minimally invasive procedure, healing is rapid, breathing improves quickly, and normal sinus drainage is restored soon after treatment.

How Painful Is Nasal Polyp Surgery?

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable nasal polyp surgery is today. With modern techniques, endoscopic polyp removal, correcting underlying structural issues, and clearing the sinuses can be performed as a simple 15-minute office procedure under IV sedation. Because this is a minimally invasive procedure, patients will typically not require any pain medication and can work the next day. 

In our office, there is no packing required, and most individuals describe the experience as similar to having a cold-like sensation for a short period. By gently removing noncancerous growths that block the nasal passages and sinus passages, this procedure quickly improves airflow and reduces symptoms such as congestion, sinus pressure, and difficulty breathing. 

Is It Worth Having Nasal Polyps Removed?

For many patients, resolving nasal polyps either through medical treatment or surgical removal is critical to breathing well and having long-term sinus health. Polyps can cause chronic congestion, stuffy nose, postnasal drip, recurring sinus infections, and persistent inflammation in the nose or sinuses. Removing them restores normal airflow, improves drainage, and helps prevent ongoing symptoms.

When medicines, nasal sprays, or biologic therapies are not enough to shrink polyps, endoscopic polyp removal offers a safe and effective solution. Many patients experience immediate improvement in breathing and a significant reduction in chronic inflammation once the polyps are cleared. 

Schedule A Consultation

If you would like to learn more about endoscopic polyp removal and see whether you are a good candidate, contact our office in Austin, TX today! You can call or HIPAA-compliant text us at (512) 601-0303 to schedule a consultation with a member of our board-certified ENT Specialist team. They will evaluate your medical history, review any nasal polyp symptoms, and help determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

Austin Nasal Polyp Removal— FAQs

Yes. Nasal polyps can return after nasal polyp surgery, especially if the underlying chronic inflammation, chronic sinusitis, or allergies are not well controlled. While endoscopic polyp removal is highly effective at restoring the nasal passages and improving breathing, it does not always cure the underlying condition that creates the nasal polyp. If that underlying condition was structural, such as a deviated septum, then it is unlikely that the polyps would recur. On the other hand, if chronic sinus infection or severe allergy were serving as the primary cause then these issues must be successfully managed as part of our approach to prevent recurrence.

Untreated nasal polyps might continue to grow and block the nasal cavity, making your nose feel stuffy and causing difficulty breathing, runny nose, postnasal drip, sinus pressure, facial pain, and recurring sinus infections. Large polyps or more than one polyp can obstruct the sinus passages, interfere with normal mucus drainage, and make it difficult to breathe through the nose or sinuses. Over time, untreated nasal polyps can significantly affect your quality of life. They are frequently a contributing cause to snoring and sleep apnea, which can have severe long-term health consequences.

With the exception of some genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, polyps are caused mainly by three factors. Structural problems in the nose such as a deviated septum. Type 1 chronic inflammation of the sinuses from chronic sinus infection. Type 2 chronic inflammation of the sinuses from severe allergy. We comprehensively correct structural issues, remove polyps endoscopically, resolve chronic sinus infection with balloon sinuplasty, and manage the underlying allergic inflammation using allergy drops and biological therapy for lasting results.

To diagnose nasal polyps, our ear, nose, and throat specialists begin by reviewing your medical history and discussing your nasal polyp symptoms. Our doctors diagnose nasal polyps using a nasal endoscope with a tiny camera attached to a small telescope that allows them to examine the nasal cavity and sinuses. CT scan imaging right in our office is also recommended to determine the extent of the polyps, identify chronic sinusitis, and evaluate for structural conditions.

Yes. Many patients can improve with nasal polyp treatment before considering nasal polyp surgery. Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid nasal spray, prescription nasal sprays, oral steroids, saline irrigation with a Neti Pot, allergy treatment, or injectable medications that help shrink nasal polyps, reduce inflammation, and improve airflow through the nasal passages. The right treatment plan depends on your symptoms, overall health, and the size of your polyps.

Endoscopic polyp removal is often recommended when medications no longer control symptoms or when large polyps are causing symptoms like difficulty breathing, trouble breathing, repeated sinus infections, or persistent nasal obstruction. This minimally invasive procedure uses specialized small instruments and a tiny camera to remove nasal polyps while preserving healthy tissue. In some rare cases, endoscopic sinus surgery may also be performed to improve drainage of the sinuses.

Recovery after nasal polyp surgery is generally quicker than many patients expect. Most people experience temporary congestion, mild discomfort, and increased mucus drainage while the nose and sinuses heal. Your doctor will provide instructions about saline rinses, nasal sprays, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits. Following your treatment plan carefully can help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and lower the chance that nasal polyps return.

Yes. Allergies can contribute to the chronic inflammation that allows nasal polyps to grow. Managing allergies with appropriate medicines, avoiding known triggers, and having allergy testing in our office and starting allergy drop therapy along with biological treatments can have a very positive benefit in reducing polyp formation.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent nasal polyps, healthy habits can reduce your risk of flare-ups. Avoiding tobacco smoke, limiting exposure to chemical fumes, managing allergies with allergy drop therapy and biologic therapy, treating sinus infections promptly, and using saline rinses such as a Neti Pot can help keep the nasal passages healthy.

Yes. Nasal polyps can block the nasal passages, making the nose feel stuffy and leading to trouble breathing, loud snoring, poor sleep quality, and daytime fatigue. Larger growths may interfere with normal airflow through the nose or sinuses, contributing to ongoing congestion and postnasal drip. If nasal polyps are affecting your breathing or sleep, your Sinus & Snoring Specialist can recommend the most effective nasal polyp treatment, which may include medications or endoscopic polyp removal. It’s important to know that nasal polyps, structural issues in the nose, and chronic sinusitis are frequent contributing factors to snoring and sleep apnea.

For more advanced cases, we use specialized endoscopic techniques that allow us to remove sinus polyps through the nasal passages without external incisions. Balloon sinuplasty) is the most common approach, giving our ENT specialists direct access to the sinuses to remove polyps and restore normal drainage .We use a comprehensive polyp prevention program for all of our patients who have polyps to reduce their risk of recurrence.

You’ll typically spend 15 minutes in a recovery area while the sedation wears off, and it’s normal to feel some temporary grogginess during this time. Because of the sedation, you’ll need a designated driver to take you home, as you won’t be able to drive yourself.

Detailed instructions are given to take it easy for a few days; most people can return to work the next day and will not require pain medicine.