Nasal Polyps Treatment

Adults suffering from asthma or frequent attacks of sinus infection or allergies are the one who are the most vulnerable to developing such teardrop-shaped, non-cancerous growths known as nasal polyps. These growths may develop anywhere in the nasal passages, however, the openings of the sinuses are the areas where these polyps usually appear. The condition also tends to affect kids with cystic fibrosis (the most common congenital disease; the child's lungs, intestines and pancreas become clogged with thick mucus). Certain factors may lead to a chronic inflammation of the mucus membranes of the nasal passages and sinuses. This inflammation leads to the formation of nasal polyps. Exactly how does this happen, is still far from being determined in medical science. But, a contributing factor to this condition may be related to the response of the immune system in the mucus membranes.

Nasal Polyp Symptoms

The severity of the symptoms may depend on the nasal polyps being small or large in size. Generally, small polyps often go unnoticed without causing any problem. It is the large ones which bring about bouts of symptoms. Runny nose, persistent stuffiness and postnasal drip are the first symptoms to begin with. These may be followed by the person losing his sense of smell and even his sense of taste. Other symptoms are snoring, itching around the eye area and facial pain or headache.

Treatment

Doctors treat nasal polyps in order to reduce their size and manage disorders which might be responsible for aggravating the inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses. Administration of medicines turn out to be successful in reducing the size of the polyps, for some people. However, surgery is another option which becomes a must for eliminating or removing the polyps altogether.

Drugs which you may expect to be prescribed by your doctor include nasal corticosteroids, oral corticosteroid and other medications, which are able to address other conditions which might worsen the condition. If there is no positive outcome even after such drug treatment, then surgery is opted. The type of surgery to be performed is determined by the size of the growth. Their numbers and location are also the deciding factors. Polypectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery are the usual surgical procedures opted for treating nasal polyps.

Natural Treatment

Natural remedies such as consuming black tea prepared with dry ginger powder helps manage nasal discharge, sneezing and headache. Hot milk mixed with turmeric powder also helps in relieving the symptoms. Apart from inhaling steam, taking fresh garlic juice does great for alleviating the discomfort.

You can also opt for nasal rinse using saltwater solution. Spray the solution into each nostril and breath in lightly to ensure that the saline water reaches the nasal cavity. This method gets rid of allergens and irritants, which may aggravate the condition of nasal polyps. A mixture of horseradish and honey (2 cups of grated horseradish and 2 cups of natural honey) has been known to reduce nasal polyps to some extent. Furthermore, people who take plenty of citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, grapefruits, etc., are less vulnerable to nasal polyps.

It has been noticed in some cases of nasal polyps that even after the treatment, people suffered from recurrences of the illness. So in order to reduce the chances of the polyps from reoccurring, you can follow a few self-care measures at home. Avoid coming in contact with irritants and seek your doctor's help to manage the symptoms of asthma or allergies. Follow good hygiene habits and keep yourself clean, especially your hands, and also keep your home surroundings humidified.