Symptoms and Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are usually considered to be a simple condition as long as it does not seriously interfere with one’s breathing pattern. However, it can lead to the development of various symptoms and other conditions which would eventually require treatment at the earliest stage possible to avoid any kind of complications.
Treatment options for nasal polyps majorly aim at the reduction of the size of the polyps attached to the inner lining of the nasal passages. In its initial stage, medications would be prescribed. In the advanced stages, however, when the individual is dealing with serious symptoms and bigger polyps, surgery might be recommended. As the polyps can recur, it is not an option that can be relied upon for longer durations.
The different medications available for the treatment of nasal polyps are as follows:
Corticosteroids (oral and injectable forms)
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are one of the common examples of oral and injectable corticosteroids provided for the treatment of nasal polyps. These oral or injectable forms can either be given in combination with nasal sprays or by itself. Oral corticosteroids, however, should only be taken for a small period as they are capable of causing serious side effects.
Nasal corticosteroids
One of the most common medications that are suggested to reduce any swelling and inflammation due to nasal polyps is corticosteroid nasal spray. Using these can help in either reducing the size of the polyps or even eliminating them. Mometasone (Qvar Redihaler, Qnasl, Beconase AQ), budesonide (Rhinocort), and fluticasone (Flovent HFA, Xhance, and Flonase allergy relief) are some of the nasal corticosteroids that might be prescribed.
Medicines to treat chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps
Some patients also develop chronic sinusitis in addition to nasal polyps. In this condition, the doctor prescribes medication that can be given in the form of an injection. Supixent (dupilumab) would be prescribed to treat the combination of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis together. This medication functions by both reducing the congestion and contributing to reducing the size of the nasal polyps present on the inner lining of the nasal passages.
Other medicine options
There are various other drugs which can be used for the treatment of nasal polyps. However, in long terms, these medications may further lead to the development of swelling and sinuses in the nasal passages. Some examples of the medications that belong to this category would be certain types of antihistamines. Aspirin desensitization is one of the treatments which, when performed carefully under the supervision of an allergy specialist, can help the patient with aspirin sensitivity and nasal polyps greatly. When the patient is present in a hospital or clinic, the treatment would involve a gradual increase of the dosage to further increase the amount of aspirin that the body can tolerate.