Health Blog Details

Nasal polyps are teardrop-shaped growths that form in your nose or sinuses. They are noncancerous and commonly found in the area where your sinuses open into the nasal cavity. They are not painful to touch. Most polyps can be treated with medications or surgery, but they can come back. 

Nasal Polyps Types

Nasal polyps are of two types. Ethmoidal Polyps and Antrochoanal Polyps. Ethmoidal polyps, developed from the ethmoidal sinuses located between the nose and the eyes, are more common than antrochoanal polyps.  

Nasal Polyps in Children

Just like in adults, pediatric nasal polyps are also mostly harmless until they grow big enough to cause problems. Even though these polyps might not bother your child much, they have the potential to reduce their sense of smell or make it difficult for them to breathe properly by blocking their nostrils.

Nasal Polyps Symptoms

Your child might not always be able to tell you what is bothering them specifically. If they have nasal polyps that are large or low in the nasal passage, you might be able to spot it by looking into your child’s nose. You can also look out for some of the common nasal polyps symptoms like

Congestion: There might be a change in the sound of your child’s voice, or you might notice them breathing through their mouth.

Runny Nose: Your child might have a runny nose, or you may observe frequent sniffling. 

Decreased Sense of Smell: Your child may show aversion to food because they can’t smell or taste them. 

Snoring: Nasal polyps can interfere with airflow, making your child snore.

Postnasal Drip: Sometimes, your child might complain that their throat feels sore and itchy. They might keep swallowing or trying to clear their throat. It is because they have post nasal drip due to polyps.

Nasal Polyps Causes

The exact cause of nasal polyps in children is not known. But they are associated with chronic inflammation in the nasal passages. When they develop in children, they often occur with other medical conditions like Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Sinus Infections,Allergic Rhinitis , Aspirin Sensitivity, Allergic Fungal Sinusitis, etc. 

Pediatricians diagnose children with polyps with a physical examination. They might use an otoscope or conduct a nasal endoscopy. Sometimes they also use CT and MRI. Your pediatrician might recommend allergy testing or another blood test because nasal polyps often occur with other medical conditions. Since there are other diseases that can have similar presentations to nasal polyps, it is always better to have an ENT specialist take a look at your child. 

Nasal Polyps Treatment

If your child’s nasal polyps are not severe, home remedies can be helpful in reducing the side effects. They can reduce inflammation and prevent nasal polyps from returning. 

Keep your Child’s Nose Clean: cleaning your child’s nose can decrease bacteria and congestion in the nasal passages. It can help them breathe better. 

Humidify the Air: If the air is dry, then it can cause the nasal passage to dry up causing mucus to build up in your child’s nose. Use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air to help your child breathe while sleeping.

Avoid Triggers: If your child has allergies, avoid nasal irritants like smoke and dust to prevent symptoms. 

When Should you Take your Child to See their Doctor?

Nasal polyps aren’t usually harmful, but if you see yellow or green drainage from your child’s nose, or if they have a fever or difficulty breathing along with nasal polyps, that is when you get professional help. 

The doctor might initially aim at shrinking the size of the polyps with a nasal spray. They might also prescribe oral steroid medications. In case your child has allergies, let the doctor be aware so that they can give medication accordingly. If the infection is severe, the doctor might prescribe antibiotics. If the medications don’t work, and your child continues to have serious side effects, nasal polyp surgery might be required. 

Although a nasal polyp is not something that you need to be very concerned with, sometimes it can get serious. Especially if your child is not one to tell you where it hurts. If you see that your child has one, try the home remedies first. But if the symptoms get severe, visit your nearest pediatric hospital .