Snoring And Nasal Polyps
Growths that develop in the mucous membrane of the
nose and nasal passageways are known as nasal polyps.
The cause of nasal polyps is not known however they do appear to be
more likely to occur in those who suffer from asthma or rhinitis.
Asthma is a health condition that causes an intermittent narrowing
of the airways that causes wheezing and a shortage of breath;
Rhinitis is a condition in which the mucous membrane lining the nose
and throat becomes inflamed.
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Nasal polyps are not often seen in children although
the exception to this is that they do sometimes develop in children
who suffer from cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition that causes
body secretions to be abnormal and thicker than usual.
The symptoms of nasal polyps develop over months and sometimes
years. The severity of the symptoms will obviously depend on the
size and number of polyps but include
• blocked nose
• decreased sense of smell
• excess secretions of mucous (runny nose)
Nasal polyps can also lead to recurrent sinusitis as the narrow
channels that would normally drain the sinus cavities can become
blocked by the polyps causing inflammation and infection. |
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Of course, any narrowing of nasal passageways
can lead to snoring and it is important that the cause of
snoring is considered and even investigated – for the sake
of the person who snores and for their partner as it can
cause long term problems for them both.
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If nasal polyps are suspected to the cause of
your snoring they can be treated. Once treated you will find
your snoring problem is much improved. Your doctor will
arrange for an examination to be undertaken by an ear nose
and throat (ENT) specialist who may well conduct an
endoscopy examination to view the internal structures of the
nose and throat to allow a diagnosis to be made.
During an endoscopic procedure an endoscope (a flexible tube
which contains fiber optic cables and can also transport
instruments) is inserted up through each nostril in turn and
used to view the nasal passageways, the back of the throat
and the larynx. The procedure is usually carried out under
local anesthetic with a mild sedative sometimes being
available for the very nervous.
If the endoscopy does not reveal the scope of the nasal
polyp problem, sufferers may be offered a CT scan. |
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If an endoscopy reveals a single polyp it may
be entirely removed during the endoscopy procedure. Nasal
polyps when removed are routinely checked to ensure they are
of the non-malignant type.Small nasal polyps can be treated by the use
of a corticosteroid spray which will shrink the polyps over
a period of weeks. A corticosteroid spray may also be
prescribed after the surgical removal of polyps to prevent
them recurring.
If nasal polyps are at the root of your snoring problem they
can be treated very quickly and easily giving you and your
partner relief from the inevitable broken nights of sleep
that snoring can cause.
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