Do you have persistent sinus and nasal symptoms? According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most common medical conditions adults report. Many people with this condition also have nasal polyps, which may add to their symptoms.
Nasal polyps are soft, grape-like growths that develop in the nose or sinuses. They usually don’t cause discomfort. You may not even know you have them if they remain small. As they grow, you may notice cold-like symptoms that don’t go away or improve, including:
- congestion
- runny nose
- postnasal drip
- pressure or pain in your head or face
- loss of smell or taste
- change in voice quality
Experts are still learning about what causes nasal polyps to form. Inflammation from factors like allergies and infections seems to play a role. There also may be a link between nasal polyps and other conditions, such as:
- asthma
- hay fever
- cystic fibrosis
- sensitivity to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
If you have a polyp close to the edge of your nostril, you might see or feel it. However, only a doctor can make a proper diagnosis.
Depending on the location of your nasal polyps, your doctor may perform an endoscopy using a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera to see inside your nasal passages. Your doctor may also suggest getting imaging studies, like a CT scan, to visualize your sinuses.
How are nasal polyps treated?
Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat nasal polyps. They usually won’t eliminate them, but they may help shrink them to improve your symptoms. Common treatments include:
- Nasal steroid sprays: These medications can relieve congestion or runny nose by reducing inflammation. Fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex) are examples.
- Oral steroids: If nasal sprays aren’t sufficient, your doctor may order a short course of steroids, like prednisone, for you to take by mouth. Due to side effects, people must not take them long term.
- Biologic medications: Newer injectable medications, such as dupilumab (Dupixent), may help people with recurring nasal polyps. They work by blocking eosinophils, types of white blood cells that cause inflammation. These injections can also help people with moderate to severe asthma.
Additional drugs, like allergy medications or antibiotics, may also be necessary.
If your nasal polyps continue to cause symptoms, your doctor may suggest removing them using a polypectomy.
Working with a healthcare professional is the safest way to remove or treat nasal polyps. Trying to remove nasal polyps at home can lead to complications like infection and bleeding.
A nasal polypectomy is a type of surgery to take out nasal polyps. Healthcare professionals often perform it as a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope and small, specialized tools to remove the polyps. A doctor can usually give you a general anesthetic to put you under sedation. You can go home on the same day as the surgery.
After a polypectomy, you may experience some swelling inside the nose and drainage. Try to take it easy during this time. Once the swelling improves, however, you may notice you can breathe easier and have improved symptoms.
Nasal polyps can grow back, but your doctor can recommend long-term care. Your doctor may advise you to flush your nasal passages with a saline rinse to remove potential irritants.
You may also continue medications, such as a nasal steroid, allergy medication, or biologic, to keep inflammation down. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns or notice changes in your symptoms.