Ascent Ear Nose & Throat
Nasal Polyps Specialist In Singapore
Nasal polyps are benign or noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. It is vital to understand your symptoms and seek medical treatment as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and management can reduce the complications of nasal polyps.
Comprehensive Services
Providing the highest standard of ENT care in Singapore and the region.
Accredited Specialists
Senior ENT surgeons with internationally-recognised fellowship training.
Convenient Locations
3 Clinics conveniently located in Orchard, Thomson, and Joo Chiat.
Common Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
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Nasal congestion
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Runny or stuffy nose
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Postnasal drip or excess mucus running down the throat
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A sensation that the nose is blocked
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Decreased sense of smell
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Frequent nosebleeds
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Snoring
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Sleep apnoea
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are benign or noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They are usually soft and painless and result from chronic inflammation of the nasal pathways or sinuses.
While small nasal polyps generally do not cause any severe symptoms or life-threatening complications, larger growths can block the nasal passages and interfere with breathing.
Complications of Nasal Polyps
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Obstructive sleep apnoea
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Asthma flare-ups
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Recurring and more severe sinus infections
Common Causes of Nasal Polyps
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Chronic sinusitis or sinus infections
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Allergic rhinitis
For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents
Insurance & Medisave Partners
Certain ENT procedures are claimable under Medisave, and the exact amount would depend on the procedure. For more information, please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plan, Integrated Shield Plan, or Medisave.
Diagnosis of Nasal Polyps
Physical examination
Your doctor may look at your symptoms and examine the inside of your nose to detect signs of growth. They may also review your family and medical history.
Flexible nasendoscopy
This test involves inspecting the inside of your nasal passages and sinuses using an endoscope, a thin, fibre-optic viewing instrument.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans may be conducted to view your nasal passages and sinuses to determine the size and location of the polyps. These tests also help eliminate other possible causes of blockage, such as any structural abnormalities or cancerous growths.
Biopsy
A small piece of the nasal polyp tissues may be removed to test whether they are cancerous or not.
Allergy tests
A skin prick test may be conducted by placing several substances and common allergens on your skin to see if there is any allergic reaction.
Blood tests
Blood tests can also screen for specific antibodies to various allergens and also reveal vitamin D count, which is typically associated with nasal polyps growth.
Upon receiving a diagnosis, we will guide you through the several treatment options we offer and propose a treatment plan specific to your condition.
Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps generally do not go away on their own and can lead to long-lasting and severe complications if left untreated.
Some of the common treatment options include:
Medication
Medications can alleviate inflammation and reduce the size of nasal polyps.
Common medications used are:
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Oral or injected corticosteroids
- Antihistamine or allergy medications
- Antibiotics
Surgery
For certain severe cases, surgery may be required if the symptoms do not improve with time or medication. The type of surgery performed depends on the size of the polyps. For smaller polyps, a polypectomy, an outpatient surgery done with a small suction device, may be used to cut and remove the polyps.
For larger polyps, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), a minimally invasive surgery done through the nose, can be conducted to remove polyps that may be blocking the sinuses.
visit us today
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Our Main Clinic
Feel free to drop by our clinic and meet our specialist
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre 3 Mount Elizabeth #09-03, Singapore 228510
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Other Practice Locations
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
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3 Mount Elizabeth #09-05 Singapore 228510
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Parkway East Medical Centre
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319 Joo Chiat Place #03-02 Singapore 427989
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Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D
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820 Thomson Road #08-63 Singapore 574623
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are nasal polyps serious? When should I visit a doctor?
Most nasal polyps are harmless and typically noncancerous. However, if left untreated, nasal polyps may eventually grow and block the nasal passages, interfering with breathing. They may also make you more susceptible to recurrent sinus infections.
You should seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms worsen, persist for an extended period of time or if they impede your daily functions to a great extent.
What increases the risks of nasal polyps?
- Family history and genetics
- Asthma
- Immune system disorders such as cystic fibrosis, which causes abnormally thick mucus to build up in the lungs and other mucous membrane linings
- Churg-Strauss syndrome, a rare disorder that causes inflammation of blood vessels
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Increased sensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen
How to prevent nasal polyps?
- Manage allergies and asthma
- Avoid exposure to nasal irritants and allergens such as tobacco smoke, pollen and dust
- Practice good personal hygiene by washing or sanitising your hands frequently
- Use a humidifier
- Use a nasal rinse or spray to wash off irritants or allergens from your nasal passages
