Nasal polyps are inflammations that form in our sinuses or in the lining of the nasal cavity. They look like teardrops. Nasal polyps can affect anyone, but middle-aged and older men and women are at a higher risk than others. These inflammations can also form as a result of aspirin intolerance and allergies. People who are being treated for asthma and other immune disorders can also get nasal polyps. Here’s how to treat them.

Types of nasal polyps
There are two classifications of nasal polyps based on the location of the growth: antrochoanal and ethmoidal polyps. Antrochoanal polyps are growths that begin in the maxillary sinus. The condition is rare, and such polyps form in children and young adults. On the other hand, Ethmoidal polyps form in the ethmoidal sinus located in the upper part of the nose.

Medication used to treat nasal polyps
The goal for treating nasal polyps is a reduction of polyps size and improve symptoms like running nose and congestion. They may prescribe antihistamines and antibiotics to treat allergies and congestion caused by the polyps. Doctors prescribe nasal sprays as the first line of treatment. Steroid-based nasal sprays can shrink the polyps. However, polyps may recur once someone stops using the sprays. If they don’t shrink with sprays, doctors may use an injectable steroid. They may use it for a limited time as the injections may cause side effects, like increased blood pressure. Injectable steroids can also elevate eye pressure.

1. Allergy medication
Some develop asthma when they are adults. Adult-onset asthma can lead to nasal polyps. It has been found that medicines that doctors prescribe for asthma and allergies help treat nasal polyps. Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray that is commonly used to treat symptoms of allergies. Since it helps in reducing inflammation, it works similarly on nasal polyps by shrinking them. Singulair is also used to treat allergies and asthma and is also effective for nasal polyps. A biweekly injection of Dupixient that is used to treat eczema can help shrink the polyps.

2. Surgery to remove polyps
Doctors may use surgery to remove polyps only if medication and injection do not shrink the polyp. Polypectomy is a simple and commonly used surgical procedure to remove polyps from the nasal cavity and other parts of the body. Polypectomy is one of the most commonly used surgical procedures when all other methods fail. Doctors use an endoscope which is a tube connected to a tiny camera to see the nose and sinus. In this, doctors cut and remove the mucosa and other soft tissues. They may use local or general anesthesia for the surgery. Afterward, they may have to use saline water sprays for a few days to heal the nose after surgery. Doctors may also recommend steroid nasal sprays that can prevent the polyps from coming back.