Nasal polyps are noncancerous soft tissue growths that can form in the sinuses and nose. Although not painful, polyps can grow large enough to block the airways, causing difficulty breathing and smelling. In general, polyps cannot be completely cured because they tend to come back easily if you are susceptible to them. However, you can use several medical and lifestyle measures to shrink polyps and reduce the risk of them forming again.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Treating Polyps with Medical Treatment
Step 1. See a doctor if you experience symptoms of nasal polyps
Generally, nasal polyps are asymptomatic and you can go days without realizing it for the rest of your life. However, patients can develop complications that require medical attention if the polyps grow large. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor and see if you have nasal polyps. There are several medical treatments that your doctor will recommend if you are confirmed to have polyps at the time of the examination.
- Excessive runny or stuffy nose.
- Pressure on the forehead or face
- Decreased sense of smell and taste.
- The feeling of a stuffy nose when there is no snot.
- Headache
- Pain in the upper front teeth.
Step 2. Use a steroid spray
Steroid sprays can help reduce the size of nasal polyps. If they are small enough, polyps may disappear completely when treated with steroid sprays. Some steroid sprays are over-the-counter at pharmacies, but stronger varieties require a doctor's prescription. Discuss the use of steroid sprays with your doctor and see if they work well.
Some common nasal sprays contain beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone, and triamcinolone. Nasonex is a common brand of steroid nasal spray
Step 3. Try steroid nasal drops
Nasal drops, like nasal sprays, help reduce the size of polyps. Nasal drops can also relieve nasal congestion, which will help you breathe easier as the polyps shrink. Most nasal drops take 7 to 14 days to start shrinking the size of the polyps and it is generally recommended that you continue using them for four to six weeks.
When applying nasal drops, tilt your head up and back. You should feel like you're trying to stand on top of your head. Drop the medicine into the nose when the head is tilted upwards. Hold the head position for 3 to 4 minutes after the medication is instilled and make sure the medication reaches the nasal cavity
Step 4. Take prednisone
Prednisone is a type of oral corticosteroid that can reduce swelling and inflammation. Prednisone can help reduce inflammation in the nose and thereby reduce the size of nasal polyps. This type of steroid can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription. Usually, patients are required to take prednisone for 7 to 10 days.
Step 5. Take oral antibiotics
Although they cannot reduce the size of the polyp, antibiotics will treat the complications caused by the polyp. If they block the sinuses, polyps can lead to sinus infections due to the bacteria trapped in them multiplying. If you have a sinus infection due to polyps, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to fight it.
Step 6. Consider the operating procedure
Although the above treatment methods can help reduce the size of the polyp, the only common way to completely eradicate the polyp is through the surgical removal of the polyp. If the polyp is very firm and causes significant discomfort, your doctor may recommend this option. You will have to get a rhinoplasty endoscope to surgically remove the polyps. An endoscope-a long tube that has a light and camera at the end-will be inserted into one nostril and a number of instruments will be used to remove your polyp. You will be given a local anesthetic during the procedure. Usually, patients are allowed to go home immediately when the surgery is finished.
Keep in mind that in some cases, nasal polyps can grow back after two or three years
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Further Growth of Polyps with Home Remedies
Step 1. Use a saline solution to rinse your nose and sinuses
Saline (or saline solution) can help reduce inflammation in the nose and drain mucus that is blocking the nasal passages. Salt slows the body's production of adiponectin, a chemical associated with inflammation.
Mix tsp (or less) of table salt in a cup of boiling water and allow it to cool to body temperature. Put the mixture in a clean squeeze bottle or neti pot and rinse the nasal cavity
Step 2. Try steam inhalation
Inhaling steam through the nose can open the cavity and loosen the thick mucus secretions produced by the blockage. There are several ways to use steam inhalation.
- Close all bathroom windows and doors, then turn on the hot shower to create a private steam room.
- To make your own steam inhalation preparation, boil a pot of water. Pour boiling water into a large bowl. Place a towel over your head and neck, then lean your face over the bowl of hot water so that your nose is steaming. Make sure that the towel covers your head and bowl to prevent steam from escaping. Inhale deeply so that the steam is felt inside your nose. Keep doing this until the water cools down.
- Essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus can be added to enhance the nasal cleansing effect.
Step 3. Eat a combination of horseradish and honey to relieve sinuses
Eating horseradish is a natural way to clear your nose. Horseradish contains antibacterial properties and has a taste and smell that can help open the nasal cavity and reduce the size of polyps. Try eating horseradish and mixing it with honey if you don't like the strong taste.
Mix 200 mg of horseradish (about 2 cups) with two cups of honey. Store the mixture in the refrigerator. Eat 1 tsp of horseradish and honey mixture in the morning and evening until the sinuses feel relieved and the polyps start to shrink
Step 4. Increase your intake of garlic and onions
Both garlic and onions are known to contain antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help loosen nasal glands and shrink polyps. These benefits are obtained because these two root vegetables contain quercetin, which helps reduce inflammation.
Try eating two raw garlic cloves and a few pieces of onion twice a day. If you don't like the taste, you can take garlic and onion supplements
Step 5. Take Xanthium herbal supplements
Xanthium is an herb that comes from East Asia. xanthium was referred to as Fructus Xanthii in the early Chinese system of medicine. Xanthium has been used to treat nasal polyps and nasal congestion for centuries. The herb exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on nasal polyps. Fructus xanthii works by suppressing parts of the inflammatory system.
Step 6. Try taking a goldenseal supplement. Goldenseal is also known as Hydratis Canadensis. Goldenseal is a plant from North America that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This benefit is due to the fact that goldenseal contains chemical compounds, such as berberine and hydrastine, which can help reduce inflammation.
This herb should not be used in pregnant women because it can have a negative effect on the womb
Step 7. Use a diluted capsicum annuum spray
The herb is used in traditional medicine to strengthen capillaries and blood circulation, and shrink polyps. Diluted capsicum spray can help relieve nasal pain and shrink polyps.
Be sure to use a diluted spray, or it can irritate your nose. Also make sure that the capsicum does not get into your eyes or open wounds on your body
Step 8. Blow your nose with a magnolia
Magnolias are deciduous plants with tree bark and flowers capable of shrinking polyps. The bark of the magnolia tree contains a mucolytic action, which means it can clear mucus that clogs the nasal cavity. Magnolia flowers also have an astringent action, which means they can tighten the mucous membranes of the nose and reduce the size of polyps.
Do not use magnolia if you have constipation or digestive problems
Part 3 of 3: Strengthening the Immune System to Stop the Further Growth of Polyps
Step 1. Get enough sleep every night
The body can fight disease and infection more easily if it gets enough time to rest, compared to when you are tired and overworked. Know your body's limits - even if you think it's okay to stay up all night to finish a report, know that your immune system is going to be the victim. Try to get seven or eight hours of sleep every night. Even just taking a break or taking a nap when you feel tired can help your immune system function properly.
Step 2. Eat a balanced diet
Another part of the method of maintaining a healthy immune system is ensuring that the body gets all the nutrients it needs. The amount of each nutrient you need depends on your weight, age, and health. Talk to your doctor about a diet plan, or click here to learn more about what foods to eat.
- Try to include low-fat protein, whole-grain carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, non-dairy products, and lots of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
- Get 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C daily. Vitamin C helps keep the immune system strong and functioning. If you don't get enough vitamin C every day, your immune system will weaken, increasing your chances of getting disease or infection. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, lemons, guavas, kiwis, strawberries, and papayas.
Step 3. Exercise regularly
To maintain a healthy body and immune system, try to exercise for at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week. Exercise speeds up metabolism and supports the strength of the immune system. Try doing cardiovascular exercise, weight training and flexibility.
- Cardio includes running, climbing, cycling, swimming, and walking.
- Strength and flexibility exercises include yoga, weight lifting, and stretching.
Tips
If you have had a surgical procedure to remove polyps, it is important to remember that there is a chance that the polyps may come back. This is the reason why it is important to strengthen the immune system and try home remedies to prevent polyps from recurring in the future
Warning
- See a doctor immediately if you have difficulty breathing due to polyps.
- Always check with your doctor before trying new herbs or changing your lifestyle.
