Nasal polyps are soft growths that develop on the lining inside the nose and sinuses. They’re benign but can block your nasal passages and progress into chronic rhinosinusitis, which is an inflammation of the inner lining of the nose and sinuses. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, obstruction, and pressure. About 20% of people with chronic rhinosinusitis also have nasal polyps, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
Depending on the case, it may be hard to eliminate them completely, but you can manage symptoms.
Here’s what you need to know about long-term relief for nasal polyps.
Understanding nasal polyps
No one knows exactly what causes nasal polyps. They seem to develop as a result of inflammation in the nasal and sinus passages.
It helps to understand which types of risks are likely to be associated with the condition. Nasal polyps can be more common in people with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.
Small polyps may not cause symptoms. However, larger polyps can block your nasal and sinus passages, which can lead to painful sinus infections and symptoms, including nasal congestion, headaches, and loss of smell and taste.
Treatments for long-term relief
Nasal polyps aren’t curable and have a tendency to recur even if you have them surgically removed.
However, they are manageable, and treatment can relieve most of the symptoms. With the right treatment, you can have long-term relief and improve your quality of life.
Factors affecting long-term success
The following factors can affect your long-term experience with nasal polyps.
The causes of nasal polyps are not exactly known. In rare cases, certain inflammatory and immunodeficiency conditions could be the cause. Specific health issues are also associated with nasal polyps, including:
- damaged nasal tissue or thin sinus tissue, which increases your exposure to airborne viruses, allergens, or particles
- an increase in immune cells called eosinophils
- certain kinds of infections, especially staph bacterial infections
You may be more likely to develop nasal polyps if you have:
- a family history of the condition
- a history of allergies
- long-term exposure to unhealthy air quality or allergens like pets
- recurring sinus infections
- nasal injuries
- previous nasal surgeries
It is important to find the right treatment to manage symptoms and get relief.
If you consistently follow your prescribed treatment plan, including your medication regimen, you are more likely to prevent nasal polyp symptoms. They may return if you stop treatment, so continue using your medication as directed by your doctor. If you want to change your treatment plan, consider making a medical appointment to discuss other treatments, such as biologic medications.
You could use some self-care strategies to reduce inflammation and irritation or to prevent polyps from returning. For example, try using a humidifier in your bedroom at night to keep your nasal and sinus passages moist and to facilitate mucus flow.
Comprehensive approach to relief
Learning about the range of options available may help when deciding on the best treatment strategy for nasal polyps.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays are the first-line treatment for nasal polyps. If you’re prescribed this medication, you need to keep using it, since your symptoms can return if you stop.
Allergy medications, including antihistamines, can also help shrink nasal polyps. A round of oral steroids may sometimes be useful, but this is only a short-term strategy due to the potential side effects of long-term use.
Occasionally, a round of antibiotics is also necessary to clear up a sinus infection that’s caused by bacteria.
Other treatments include biologics such as omalizumab (Xolair), which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved in 2003. Omalizumab is an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody treatment that reduces immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody produced by the immune system in response to allergens and type 2 inflammation.
Side effects include:
- pain at the injection site
- upper respiratory tract infections
- headaches
- sinusitis (an inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses)
Dupilumab (Dupixent) is another type of biologic available for the treatment of nasal polyps. It works by blocking the interleukin (IL)-4 receptor and IL-13 receptor, which cause inflammation. Side effects can include:
- reaction to the injection site
- eye and eyelid inflammation
- itchy eyes or blurred vision
- cold sores in the mouth or lips
Less common side effects include eyelid inflammation or swelling, joint pain, or allergic reactions like shortness of breath.
For some people, medication doesn’t provide enough relief, especially if they have large polyps. Surgical removal of the polyps can help restore their ability to breathe more easily. However, they can return even after endoscopic sinus surgery. One study suggests that the recurrence rate within 5 years of surgery is 20%.
Because polyps tend to recur, your doctor will encourage regular checkups to assess polyp status. You can then adjust your treatment as needed.
You can help your outlook by learning to recognize early signs of polyp recurrence. Let your doctor know if you suspect that they’ve regrown, so you can take action before they increase in size.
Nasal polyps can interfere with your ability to breathe easily and cause discomfort. If you’re consistent about managing them, you can reduce the effects they have on your quality of life.