Two Paths to Relief
Nasal polyps are abnormal, noncancerous growths in the tissues lining the sinuses and nose. Nasal polyps are soft, swollen, shaped like teardrops and typically form in groups. Nasal polyps are associated with prolonged inflammation of the nasal passages, known as chronic rhinosinusitis. Treatment for nasal polyps focuses on decreasing inflammation and relieving symptoms. This article will outline the medical treatment options available for nasal polyps treatments.
Nasal Polyps Causes
The cause of nasal polyps is still not completely understood. Still, underlying tissue inflammation seems involved, as nasal polyps are more common in individuals suffering from chronic sinus infections, asthma, allergies, cystic fibrosis, and aspirin sensitivity.
Additionally, certain genes, particularly those involved in the immune and inflammatory responses, may play a role in developing nasal polyps. Further, there may be a genetic link, as individuals with a family history of nasal polyps are more likely to develop them.
Nasal Polyps Symptoms
Nasal polyp symptoms may include:
- Nasal congestion.
- Runny nose.
- Postnasal drip.
- Nasal/sinus pressure.
- Feeling that the nasal passage is blocked.
- Decreased sense of smell.
- Reduced sense of taste.
- Headache.
- Cough.
- Facial pain or pressure.
- Pain in upper teeth.
- Itching around the eyes.
- Mouth breathing.
- Snoring.
If you have complications from nasal polyps, they may cause other symptoms in addition to those listed above.
Exploring Two Treatment Approaches for Nasal Polyps
Treatment of nasal polyps depends on several factors, including your symptoms, severity, age and general overall health. Treatment aims to decrease inflammation and the size of the nasal polyps.
Medication
First-line medical treatment to treat nasal polyps is typically a nasal corticosteroid spray, including fluticasone (Flonase, Veramyst), mometasone (Nasonex) and budesonide (Rhinocort) given as one to two sprays in each nostril, two times daily. Corticosteroid sprays aim to shrink nasal polyps by reducing inflammation. Corticosteroid spray is considered safe for long-term use.
Additionally, oral or injectable corticosteroids may be prescribed if nasal corticosteroid spray isn’t effective. Oral or injectable corticosteroids also aim to shrink nasal polyps by reducing inflammation. However, these are not for long-term use due to their potentially serious side effects, such as fluid retention, high blood pressure and increased eye pressure.
Other medical treatment options for nasal polyps include:
- Antileukotrienes to decrease inflammation.
- Antibiotics if nasal polyps have caused a sinus infection.
- Rinsing of the nasal passages with a sterile saline solution.
- Antihistamines and decongestants control allergy symptoms.
- Allergen immunotherapy to control allergy symptoms.
- Aspirin desensitization therapy (if there is underlying aspirin sensitivity).
- Dupilumab injection, a biologic medication, decreases sinus congestion and shrinks the size of nasal polyps.
Surgery
If medications do not effectively treat nasal polyps, surgery may be recommended to remove the polyps. The type of surgery needed depends on the size of the nasal polyp.
A polypectomy is often performed using a small suction device or microdebrider to cut and remove the soft tissue for smaller polyps.
Endoscopic sinus surgery with a flexible endoscope with an attached camera and tools is needed for larger nasal polyps. Additionally, the openings of the sinus cavities may be enlarged during surgery.
While surgery is often effective for removing nasal polyps and relieving symptoms, the nasal polyps often return within a few months to years.
Prevention of Nasal Polyps After Surgery
If you have surgery to treat nasal polyps, it’s essential to use appropriate prevention techniques in the nasal area to prevent nasal polyps from returning, including:
- After surgery, stop using a corticosteroid spray to help reduce nasal and sinus inflammation.
- Rinse the nasal cavities with sterile saline solution to promote optimal healing after surgery.
- Use a humidifier in your home when the air becomes dry to help moisten your nasal passages to improve the flow of mucus and prevent inflammation.
- Use nasal drops to moisten your nasal passages and prevent inflammation.
- Avoid common nasal and sinus irritants, including smoke, dust and other common allergens, to prevent inflammation.
- Appropriately manage any underlying medical conditions (i.e. asthma and allergies).
Addressing Nasal Polyps
If you’re experiencing symptoms of nasal polyps, such as chronic nasal congestion and decreased sense of smell, speak to your doctor. They can accurately diagnose your condition with a detailed history of your symptoms, thorough physical exam, and appropriate imaging tests and get treatment started if warranted.
In some cases, nasal polyps can be treated without surgery using a variety of medical treatments, however, if your nasal polyps are large or causing severe symptoms, surgical treatment may be necessary.