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Page Updated:Nasal Polyps Treatment in Houston
Nasal polyps can cause persistent congestion, difficulty breathing, and a diminished sense of smell, impacting your daily life. As a fellowship-trained rhinologist and ENT specialist, Dr. Shawn Allen provides advanced, patient-centered care to effectively diagnose and treat nasal polyps, helping you breathe easier and feel better.
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They are typically shaped like teardrops or grapes and can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
While nasal polyps are benign, or noncancerous, these growths can become bothersome, obstructing airflow and contributing to chronic sinus infections. Left untreated, nasal polyps may lead to worsening congestion, sinus pressure, and breathing difficulties.
Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
Recognizing nasal polyps early can help you seek timely treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Decreased or lost sense of smell and taste
- Postnasal drip
- Sinus pressure or facial pain
- Frequent sinus infections
- Snoring or sleep disturbances
If you experience these symptoms, an evaluation with Dr. Allen can provide clarity and solutions.
Concerned about your sinus symptoms?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen
Causes & Risk Factors
Nasal polyps develop due to chronic inflammation of the nasal and sinus tissues. Common conditions that increase your risk include:
- Chronic sinusitis
- Allergies and allergic rhinitis
- Asthma
- Allergic fungal sinusitis
- Elevated eosinophils (type of white blood cell)
- Cystic fibrosis
While nasal polyps can be persistent, expert treatment can help control symptoms and prevent recurrence.
How Are Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Dr. Allen’s comprehensive evaluation typically includes:
- Detailed Symptom Review: Understanding your history and symptoms
- Nasal Endoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to examine your nasal passages
- CT Imaging: Advanced imaging to assess the extent of polyp growth and sinus involvement
- Allergy & Immune Testing: Identifying underlying conditions contributing to inflammation
This thorough approach ensures your treatment is tailored for the best possible outcome.
Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps
Effective treatment for nasal polyps often requires a combination of surgery and medication to control inflammation and prevent recurrence. While medications can help reduce symptoms and polyp size, surgery is often necessary to restore proper sinus function and allow for long-term management with topical treatments.
Surgical Treatment for Nasal Polyps
Endoscopic sinus surgery is the most effective treatment option for patients whose nasal polyps do not respond adequately to medication. Dr. Allen specializes in this minimally invasive procedure, which involves using a small endoscope with a camera to visualize the sinuses and carefully remove the polyps. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia for optimal precision and patient comfort.
In some cases, patients who have previously undergone endoscopic sinus surgery may be candidates for in-office polyp removal under local anesthesia. This approach provides a convenient and effective option for managing recurrent polyps.
Following surgery, ongoing medical management is crucial to prevent polyp regrowth and maintain clear nasal passages.
Medication & Long-Term Management
To reduce inflammation and support long-term polyp control, Dr. Allen may recommend:
- Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone nasal spray) to shrink polyps and control swelling
- Biologic therapies (e.g., Dupixent) for patients with severe or recurring polyps
- Oral antihistamines, decongestants, or steroids when necessary for inflammation control
- Medicated nasal rinses with steroids, antihistamines, or antibiotics to enhance symptom relief
- Allergy testing and immunotherapy for patients with underlying allergic triggers
Ongoing Care & Follow-Up
Regular follow-up visits are essential for long-term polyp management. After successful treatment, most patients only require check-ups once or twice per year or as needed when symptoms arise. Monitoring is critical, as uncontrolled inflammation over time may require stronger treatments, such as oral steroids, which carry a higher risk of side effects than topical therapies.
By combining expert surgical intervention with personalized long-term care, Dr. Allen helps patients achieve lasting relief and improved sinus health.
Why Choose Dr. Shawn Allen for Nasal Polyps Treatment?
Dr. Allen is committed to helping patients find long-term relief from nasal polyps and sinus issues through expert, compassionate care. Choosing Dr. Allen for sinus care means you get:
- Board-Certified & Fellowship-Trained Rhinologist: Specialized expertise in nasal and sinus conditions
- Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Care: A personalized approach for each individual
- Advanced Diagnostic & Treatment Options: Minimally invasive techniques and cutting-edge technology
- Convenient Locations: Serving patients in Houston & The Woodlands
Schedule a Consultation With Houston’s Sinus Specialist
Relief from nasal polyps is possible. Take the first step toward better breathing and improved sinus health. Schedule a consultation today.