ENT - Are Nasal Polyps the Source of Chronic Rhinitis?
**Demographics**: - **Gender**: Male - **Age**: 19 - **Height**: 195 cm Greetings, When I was 12 years old, I underwent a procedure to excise a cyst located in my maxillary sinus via my nasal passages. Following that surgery, I began experiencing a persistent, extremely congested nose accompanied by excessive mucus production. This condition seems to have arisen because of a cavity that had led to the spread of the cyst into my sinus. In a few months, I am scheduled to have two larger polyps surgically removed (FESS) - one from my forehead and another from the area where the cyst previously existed. However, I remain uncertain whether this procedure will alleviate my symptoms, as I have tried numerous sprays without any success whatsoever. I am seeking your opinion on whether the removal of the polyps could potentially resolve my ongoing issues. Additionally, if this intervention proves ineffective, are there other underlying causes that should be explored? I have come across information suggesting that this might be a form of post-surgical nerve-related rhinitis resulting from nerve injury. I apologize for any grammatical errors, as English is not my first language. Thank you for your time.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 9:30:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
Nasal polyps can contribute to chronic rhinitis, but their removal may not guarantee symptom relief. Exploring additional underlying causes is essential.
Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They can block airflow, contribute to congestion, and lead to excessive mucus production. Given your history of sinus surgery and ongoing symptoms like nasal congestion and mucus, it is understandable to be concerned about whether the upcoming surgery will alleviate your issues.
While removing the polyps can potentially reduce congestion and improve drainage, it's important to recognize that they may not be the sole cause of your symptoms. Chronic rhinitis can arise from various factors, including:
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to ongoing nasal congestion and mucus production.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can persist after polyps are removed.
- Nerve-related changes: Your mention of post-surgical nerve-related rhinitis suggests the possibility of altered nerves affecting your nasal function post-surgery.
- Other anatomical issues: There may be other structural issues with your nasal passages.
Next Steps:
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Pre-Surgical Preparation: Discuss with your healthcare team the expected outcomes of the polyp removal and how they relate to your symptoms. Share your concerns about other possible causes.
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Symptom Management:
- Consider saline nasal rinses to help clear mucus and keep your nasal passages moist.
- Continue trialing any recommended medications, including nasal corticosteroids, as they can reduce inflammation and aid in managing symptoms.
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Post-Surgery Monitoring: After your polyp removal, monitor your symptoms closely:
- Keep a diary of your symptoms and any improvements or new issues that arise.
- Follow up with your ENT specialist about your progress and address any ongoing concerns.
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Further Exploration: If symptoms persist post-surgery, inquire about additional testing to investigate other causes, such as allergy testing or imaging studies.
Don't hesitate to share your apprehensions and questions with your healthcare provider. They can guide you through your treatment options based on your specific situation. Your journey towards symptom relief is important, and there are several avenues to explore together.
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