​14 MOST COMMON OPTIONS FOR NASAL POLYPS TREATMENT

Nasal Polyps are non-cancerous growths that form inside the nose that can happen to anyone at any age. They can cause a lot of discomfort and pressure in the face, especially when they block your airway. If you are so afflicted, we want to help you find the best nasal polyps treatment so you don't need to suffer anymore. Fortunately, there are 14 different ways to help treat nasal polyps.

14 Most Common Options for Nasal Polyps Treatment

1. Managing Allergies and Asthma
​Although the causes of nasal polyps are not well known, if you have allergies, asthma, or both, the mucus and inflammation that result from these conditions can lead to blockages in your sinuses and nasal passages. Seeing an allergist to talk about the best steps for treatment could be very beneficial.

2. Avoiding Nasal Irritants
Certain allergens and irritants may contribute to the growth of nasal polyps. To prevent this, try your best to avoid breathing in any airborne substances that could make your condition worse. These include chemical fumes, dust, cigarette smoke, smog, and strong smells (like cologne).

3. Avoiding Infections by Washing Hands
Frequently Washing your hands frequently reduces the chance of bacterial or viral infections that can cause inflammation in your nose, sinuses, and nasal passages. 

Make sure you are always washing your hands before you touch your face, blow your nose, and after you use the washroom.

4. Keeping Proper Humidification
If the air in your home or work area is too dry, your nose and sinuses won't move mucus well, leading to congestion and inflammation that could instigate the development of polyps. Using a humidifier may help moisten your nasal passages, improve mucus flow from your sinuses, and prevent blockages. If a central humidifier is not an option, there are portable units that you can easily move around to whatever room you're in.

However, it's crucial to clean the humidifier on a regular basis to prevent bacteria from growing. Also, be careful not to over-humidify the air; too much moisture can cause the growth of mold and fungi in your home, which could irritate your sinuses or make you sick. A good rule of thumb is to keep the indoor humidity levels at no more than 50%.

5. Saline Sprays or Nasal Rinses
Rinse your nasal passages with a saline spray or nasal wash to loosen mucus. This can help improve mucus flow and remove allergenic particles. Also, use saline to rinse off your nasal septum, which can help prevent crusting.

7. Nasal Corticosteroids 
Many people with nasal polyps are likely to be prescribed a nasal spray to reduce inflammation. This therapy can help shrink the polyps or even get rid of them entirely. In order to work locally, the particles need to reach the surface of the polyps. Nasal corticosteroids sprays such as mometasone (Nasonex) are approved for nasal polyps in the front of the nasal cavity. Corticosteroid rinses, often using budesonide, reach the nasal cavities as well as some of the sinus cavities in patients who have had sinus surgery. Corticosteroid administered with an exhalation delivery device, such as Xhance, has also shown effectiveness in reaching the upper sinuses where nasal polyps tend to arise. 

8. Oral Corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids - like prednisone - may be used if a nasal corticosteroid doesn't do the job. Prednisone can be used by itself or together with a nasal spray to temporarily reduce nasal polyps. Keep in mind that peak corticosteroids can have systemic side effects.

9. Dupilumab (Dupixent), Mepolizumab (Nucala), and Omalizumab (Xolair).
​Another option is a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, including dupilumab (Dupixent), Mepolizumab (Nucala), and Omalizumab (Xolair), which are injections that help control severe nasal polyps as an add-on therapy. Studies show that this treatment can reduce nasal congestion, impressive sense of smell, decrease a patient's need for future surgery. They also treat other inflammatory conditions, including asthma and atopic dermatitis.

10. Aspirin Desensitization
If you have AERD (Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease) with recurring nasal polyps, your doctor may prescribe a strategy called aspirin desensitization to help reduce inflammation and swelling. This treatment entails a series of diluted doses of aspirin until you reach a corrective level. This therapy can significantly reduce inflammation and help shrink polyps over time.

11. Surgery
Large nasal polyps, especially when significant chronic sinusitis is present, may need to be surgically removed. You are usually put under general anesthesia at a hospital or outpatient surgery center for this procedure. The doctor uses an endoscope to get a view of the inside of your nasal passages and uses special equipment to remove the polyps without needing to make an incision on your face.

The removal is sometimes performed in conjunction with other surgeries that help treat issues that cause polyps. For example, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is a procedure that increases your sinuses' drainage pathways to prevent mucus build-up that could cause polyps in the future. Chronic sinusitis can also be treated with a procedure called Balloon Sinuplasty, in which a small balloon catheter is placed inside your sinus passageway. The balloon is dilated to widen the nasal passage and then gently removed.

12. Allergen Immunotherapy
​Another treatment used in patients with nasal polyps is immunotherapy. This therapy makes the body less likely to produce substances that can lead to inflammation in your nose, sinuses, and nasal passages. Immunotherapy can be administered sublingually or as a subcutaneous allergy shot.

13. Dietary Changes 
​Certain foods and beverages may trigger inflammation, allergies, or asthma symptoms in some people. Salicylates are thought to contribute to aspirin exacerbated respirator disease and contribute to nasal polyps growth. Avoiding them may help alleviate the symptoms. 

Nasal polyps can be caused by many different things, from allergies to bacteria. Airway inflammation and diseases are something we take very seriously. That's why we perform research and bring specialists like ENTs, allergists, pulmonologists, and neurologists together for meetings on how to best treat patients. Join the Snot Force today to learn more!