What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses.
They hang down like teardrops or grapes and are caused by chronic inflammation due to asthma, recurring infection, allergies, drug sensitivity or certain immune disorders. Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common condition associated with nasal polyps.
They can cause a blocked nose, making it hard to breathe and a range of symptoms including nasal congestion, loss of smell and facial pain.
Additionally, they can increase the risk of sinus infections and other complications, making it crucial to diagnose and treat them early.
Nasal polyp symptoms
Symptoms of nasal polyps can vary depending on the size and location of the polyps in the nasal passages or sinuses. Common symptoms are:
- Nasal congestion or stuffy nose
- Loss of smell or reduced sense of smell
- Facial pain or pressure
- Postnasal drip or runny nose
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Frequent sinus infections or sinusitis
These symptoms can affect daily life, so if you suspect you have nasal polyps, seek medical advice.
Causes and risk factors of nasal polyps
Nasal polyps can be caused by:
- Chronic inflammation in the nasal passages or sinuses
- Allergies or asthma, which can cause ongoing irritation and swelling
- Infections or sinusitis, which can cause persistent inflammation
- Genetic predisposition to nasal polyps can run in families
- Environmental factors such as pollution or tobacco smoke can irritate the nasal lining
Knowing the causes and risk factors can help in managing and preventing the recurrence of nasal polyps.
Please call to enquire about the price
Ways to payBefore surgery
Initial consultation
The initial consultation is the most important step before a nose polyp operation. During this appointment, your ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and examine your nasal cavity. This may include using a small tube called an endoscope to look inside your nose and sinuses to see if there are nasal polyps. To diagnose nasal polyps accurately, your doctor may recommend imaging tests such as a CT scan. This will help to assess the size of the polyps, the condition of your sinuses, and check for any abnormalities. Knowing the full extent of nasal polyposis and any associated chronic sinusitis is important to plan the best treatment.
Your specialist will also evaluate your overall immune system health and any underlying conditions like asthma or allergies that may contribute to the development of polyps. This comprehensive assessment will help to decide if surgery to remove polyps is necessary or if other treatments, such as steroid nasal sprays or oral steroids, can improve symptoms.
During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the nose polyp operation, including what to expect during the procedure, potential risks and the recovery process. This will help you prepare mentally and physically for surgery and allow your healthcare provider to tailor the treatment plan to your individual needs.
By gathering all the information and doing diagnostic tests, the initial consultation sets the foundation for a successful outcome.
Preparing for surgery
Before undergoing nasal polyp surgery, your ENT specialist will give you detailed instructions to help you prepare for the procedure. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen, several days before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. You will also be told not to eat or drink for a specified number of hours before the operation to ensure your safety under anaesthesia. In some cases, patients may be prescribed nasal steroid sprays in the weeks leading up to surgery to reduce inflammation and improve surgical outcomes, as this is typically a day-case procedure. You will need to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards, as you will not be able to drive yourself. Following all pre-operative instructions and asking your healthcare team any questions you may have will help to make the surgical experience and recovery smoother.
During surgery
The surgery is usually done using a small flexible instrument called an endoscope. This allows the surgeon to see inside your nasal passages and sinuses and to remove the polyps with precision without needing any large incisions on the outside of your nose or face.
Nasal polypectomy is usually done under general anaesthesia, so you’ll be fully asleep and won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
After surgery
Post-operative care is key to a successful recovery after nasal polyp surgery. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and continue to use prescribed medications to get the best results. If you suspect a sinus infection, contact your doctor immediately for a prescription of antibiotics to prevent the condition from getting worse.
Immediate post-surgery care
After nasal polyp surgery, patients may experience some discomfort and nasal congestion. Patients may have some bleeding from the nose for a few weeks. Follow the post-operative care instructions given by your surgeon to ensure proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.
Don’t blow your nose forcefully and refrain from strenuous activities during the initial recovery period. Patients can return to their normal activities in a few days, but should not do heavy lifting and intense exercise until cleared by their doctor.
Long-term recovery
Long-term recovery from nasal polyps often requires a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes. Medications such as nasal sprays and oral steroids are used to treat nasal polyps and provide significant relief for many patients. Regular follow-up appointments with your consultant are important to monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed.
Complications of nasal surgery
Although complications from nasal polyp surgery are rare, they can occur. The most common risks are mild bleeding or infection. Rarely, damage to nearby structures such as the eye socket or the base of the skull can occur, but these are infrequent in the hands of experienced surgeons. Following your doctor’s post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and minimise the risk of complications.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial Consultation
Your ENT surgeon reviews your history, symptoms, and may use an endoscope or CT scan to confirm nasal polyps and plan treatment.
Treatment Planning
Surgery may be recommended based on symptoms and test results. You’ll discuss risks, recovery, and get answers to your questions.
Pre-operative Preparation
Stop certain meds (like aspirin), follow fasting rules, and possibly use nasal steroids before surgery. Arrange a ride home after.
Surgery
Polyps are removed via endoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia. No external cuts – just precise internal removal.
Immediate Post-surgery Care
Expect mild bleeding and congestion. No nose-blowing or strenuous activity. Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely.
Long-term Recovery
Recovery includes nasal sprays and regular check-ups. Ongoing treatment may help prevent polyps from returning.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Pay monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.
Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.
A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
FAQs
Nasal polyp surgery, also known as nasal polypectomy, is generally a minimally invasive procedure. Most patients report mild discomfort rather than pain. General anaesthesia during the surgery means patients don’t feel any pain during the procedure itself. After surgery, some discomfort or feeling of congestion is common, but this can be managed with prescribed pain medication and over-the-counter pain relievers. Following post-operative care instructions carefully can help with discomfort and promote a smooth recovery.
Recovery from nasal polyp surgery varies from person to person, but most patients can return to normal activities in a few days. However, patients should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks to ensure proper healing. The initial recovery period may have some nasal congestion and minor bleeding, which usually subsides in a few weeks. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important to monitor healing and manage any complications to ensure a successful recovery.
Nasal polyp surgery is not considered major surgery. It’s often an outpatient procedure, and patients can go home the same day. It’s a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscopic technique to remove the polyps. Although it’s a standard and low-risk procedure, it’s important to follow your doctor’s pre- and post-operative instructions to minimise risks and ensure a smooth recovery.
For many patients, nasal polyp surgery is highly beneficial in improving quality of life. The procedure can relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing and loss of smell, which can impact daily activities. Although there is a risk of polyps coming back, ongoing management with nasal steroid sprays and other treatments can maintain results. Patients often find that the improvement in breathing and reduction in sinus infections make the surgery worth it. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if nasal polyp surgery is right for you.