Symptoms and Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps

Symptoms and Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that are not uniform in size, and may vary with different cases. They may have a pinkish color or even a yellow-brownish color. A lot of people believe that nasal polyps just grow in one nostril, but this is not true. These polyps can grow in both nostrils. While they are mostly harmful, they can block the nasal passage and lead to problems with breathing.

Let us take a look at some of the treatment options for nasal polyps.

  • Oral corticosteroids
    Even though nasal corticosteroids are the most commonly used treatment, for some people, these drugs are not effective. For those cases, doctors may prescribe oral corticosteroids instead. Usually, prednisone is the most common type of oral corticosteroids that are prescribed. The person suffering from nasal polyps is either prescribed it combined with a nasal spray or with no combination.
  • Nasal corticosteroids
    A common treatment for nasal polyps, as mentioned above, these medications help people reduce the irritation and swelling that are symptoms of the condition. This kind of treatment is known to reduce the size of the nasal polyps, and in some cases even known to completely get rid of them. Some of the most known nasal corticosteroids include mometasone, fluticasone, beclomethasone, triamcinolone, ciclesonide, as well as budesonide.
  • Medicines used for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps
    A lot of people get affected by chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps simultaneously. For the treatment of such cases, the most common prescription that doctors suggest for the treatment of this is dupilumab. Dupilumab has proven to be one of the most effective treatment options for in treating the condition, as this drug is responsible for shrinking the nasal polyps in size and reduce the congestion felt by the person who is suffering from the condition.
  • Additional medications
    Apart from the more common ones that are mentioned above, many other medications are used to treat people who suffer from nasal polyps. These are mainly used for treating a sinus swelling that has been causing problems for a long period. One example of these medications is antihistamines. Antihistamines are best known for treating allergies that are caused by an infection that has been recurring for a while. Based on certain cases, some patients who are suffering from aspirin sensitivity may also be suggested to go for aspirin desensitization. In this treatment, the aspirin intake is increased over some time. This process will take place under the supervision of a doctor or healthcare professional so that they can guide you in helping your body be able to take the aspirin for a long period.

These are some of the most common treatment options for nasal polyps. Each one has been proven to be very effective, but always consult a doctor to understand which treatment would suit your case the best.