Nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis
What causes nasal polyps?
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a long-term condition which leads to excessive inflammation in the sinuses and the nasal cavity. In some patients, this leads to the formation of a large number of grape-like swellings called polyps. These expand from the sinuses to fill the nasal cavity, causing nasal blockage, discharge and loss of sense of smell.
It is not clear why any individual develops CRS. However we know that it is partly genetic, and strongly associated with other inflammatory disorders such as asthma. It is essential for patients with both CRS and asthma to receive comprehensive and joined-up care for both aspects of their health.
Whilst CRS cannot be completely cured, many forms of treatment including medication, surgery and advanced biologic therapies are available. For most patients, a tailored treatment plan can be created that leads to long-term control of symptoms and a better quality of life.
We recognise how important it is for you to choose the right specialist for your medical care.
If you have any questions about whether we are suitable for your care, please contact us.
Treatment for nasal polyps at LNSC
London Nose & Sinus Clinic uniquely offers expert multidisciplinary care for all aspects of CRS and associated conditions. Patients can access the full range of medical therapy, advanced endoscopic sinus surgery and asthma assessment and care, from our allied medical and surgical specialists.
In particular, we pride ourselves in giving our patients access to the very latest evidence-based therapies for CRS which are challenging or impossible to access elsewhere. These include "biologic medications": modern therapeutics which selectively treat the immune system overactivity that leads to severe CRS and asthma, and can be transformative for some patients where other therapies have not succeeded.
The most important aspects in looking after patients with CRS and nasal polyps are individualised treatment and responsiveness to change. Having a single centre look after your CRS (and asthma if applicable) allows you to get on with life, knowing that if something changes, you can access prompt and expert help.