How are Nasal Polyps Treated?
Nasal polyps treatment can involve medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes. Once your ENT has evaluated your symptoms and determined that you have nasal polyps, you and your doctor can build a comprehensive plan to treat the condition. Therefore, you’ll need to keep your follow-up appointments because treatment for nasal polyps is typically ongoing.
Medication as Nasal Polyps Treatment
Physicians often begin nasal polyps treatment with steroid nose sprays, oral pills or injections. Oftentimes, medications can reduce the inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, which can, in turn, shrink polyp size and alleviate congestion. Prescription medications for nasal polyps can include:
- Nasal spray steroid medications to reduce the size of polyps and relieve congestion
- Budesonide (Rhinocort)
- Fluticasone (Flonase, Veramyst)
- Mometasone (Nasonex)
- Oral or injection steroid, if nasal sprays are not effective
- Prednisone
- Medication to treat coexisting conditions
- Antibiotic for bacterial sinus infection
- Antifungal for fungal sinus infection
- Antihistamine for allergies
Nasal Polypectomy Surgery
If a patient has large or numerous polyps or medications have not helped, an ENT provider will suggest surgery. Polyp removal surgery is called polypectomy. During a nasal polypectomy, the provider will first give the patient a general or local anesthetic. The ENT doctor will then insert an endoscope through the nose to view the nasal and sinus passages. The doctor can then use micro-instruments (also inserted through the nose) to remove the polyps and open the nasal passages.
Nasal polypectomy may be the ideal solution for many patients; however, at times, polyps can return requiring repeat surgeries. Fortunately, the procedure is short, well-tolerated, and minimally invasive. Therefore, patients usually are able to return home within a couple of hours after a polypectomy. Many patients find they are congested for a few weeks, but some patients report immediate relief. There are risks of nosebleeds and bruising after the surgery. However, the doctor does not make any external incisions during the procedure.
If you have had a nasal polypectomy, you will typically have a two-week recovery period. While you are recovering, your doctor will ask you to avoid:
- Smoking
- Being exposed to second-hand smoke
- Drinking alcohol
- Being around people who are sick
- Being exposed to environmental allergens
- Engaging in strenuous activity
- Blowing your nose
Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes, lifestyle habits and environmental allergens can worsen nasal polyp symptoms. Therefore, making habitual changes, managing concurrent conditions, and avoiding particular triggers may help those who suffer from nasal polyposis. If you have polyps, try these methods for relief:
- Avoid environmental allergens
- Quit smoking
- Keep asthma under control
- Use a saline nasal rinse
- Wash hands frequently
- Stand in a steamy shower with menthol, mint, or eucalyptus oil
- Keep a humidifier by your desk or bed
- Consume foods rich in zinc, magnesium, and omega-3s
- Avoid food allergens
Although nasal polyps treatment can be challenging, with help from a knowledgeable and experienced specialist, you can find relief. Our physicians here at Fort Worth ENT & Sinus are here to help. To make an appointment with one of our ear, nose, and throat specialists, call 817-332-8848 or request an appointment online today.