We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do You Treat Polyps in the Nasal Cavity?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,527
Share

Polyps in the nasal cavity are usually benign fleshy growths that develop on the tissue that lines the nasal passages. While their exact cause is not yet fully understood, these growths are usually found in those with conditions that cause frequent inflammation of the nasal lining, such as sinus infections, asthma, and allergies. Polyp treatment usually begins with medications that target both the growths themselves and the underlying condition causing the ongoing inflammation. If treatment with medication proves ineffective, nasal surgery may be recommended. For many people, prevention is the most effective treatment.

Medical experts do not yet fully understand what causes polyps to develop in the nasal cavity, but it is believed that these growths are linked to conditions that cause frequent inflammation of the nasal lining, such as chronic sinusitis, asthma, and allergies. Small polyps may cause no symptoms and can easily go unnoticed. Larger polyps can obstruct the nasal passages, impairing breathing and the sense of smell, and increasing a person's susceptibility to infection.

Treatment for polyps in the nasal cavity usually begins with medication that targets the polyps, and in some cases, additional drugs to improve the underlying condition causing nasal inflammation. Corticosteroids are one of the most commonly used nasal polyp medications, and when used as directed, they can cause polyps to shrink significantly or even disappear. This type of medication may take the form of a nasal spray, a pill, or an injection.

In addition to corticosteroids, these growths may be treated with medications that target the underlying condition causing ongoing inflammation of the nasal passages. Chronic sinusitis may be treated with antibiotics, for example, and individuals suffering from persistent allergies may be given an antihistamine to discourage nasal swelling.

If nasal polyps do not respond to medications, surgery may be required. Two types of outpatient procedures are commonly used to treat nasal polyps: polypectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery. In a polypectomy, a small device is used to pull or scrape away polyps. During endoscopic sinus surgery, a small camera is used to inspect the nasal passages and the sinus cavities. With the aid of this camera, the surgeon can remove polyps and correct any structural abnormalities that may be contributing to nasal inflammation.

For many, prevention is the most effective treatment for nasal polyps. Those who are aware that exposure to a particular substance tends to cause nasal inflammation should take care to avoid that substance. Regularly rinsing the nasal cavities with a sterile saline solution can also discourage inflammation and may be helpful in preventing the formation of polyps.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-you-treat-polyps-in-the-nasal-cavity.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.