Polyps are a small benign growth that usually protrudes from a mucous membrane. Very similar to how skin protects the body’s outer layer, mucous membrane protects the insides. They produce mucus which keeps these parts moist. Polyps that form in the mucous membrane of nasal passages, sinuses, and hollow cavities in our noses are called nasal polyps. Keep reading to find more about causes, signs and treatment options of nasal polyps.

Causes of nasal polyps
When there is a change in the mucous membranes that line the nose, polyps develop. If the mucous membrane remains inflamed or gets inflamed frequently, it can result in swelling, fluid build-up, and redness. Polyps are tear-shaped and can occur in one or both noses, and are usually non-cancerous. Many factors lead to nasal polyps, including the following:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis
• Chronic rhinosinusitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Frequent sinus infection
• Frequent viral or other infections

Symptoms of nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are usually painless when they start to grow. You may miss many of the symptoms caused by tiny polyps. They typically tend to grow to a larger size, or if they grow in clusters, they may give out many symptoms. Since these symptoms are common for other conditions, many do not connect them with nasal polyps. You could have nasal polyps if you experience the following symptoms:

• Regular breathing through your nose may be difficult
• You may have a reduced sense of smell and taste
• You may have post nasal drip where you unconsciously swallow excess mucus
• Persistent runny nose and cough even when there is no sign of cold or flu
• You may feel pain in your upper teeth, jaw, or face without an apparent cause
• You are also likely to experience headaches and feel pressure around the sinus areas.
• Some may also have nose bleeds

Treatment of nasal polyps
Nasal polyps may need long-term treatment, as doctors treat its underlying cause. Polyps are likely to recur, and hence doctors attempting to reduce their size and shrink them will simultaneously treat the allergies, asthma, or sinusitis that cause them.

Medication
Nasal sprays are the first medication your doctor may recommend for nasal polyps. They can help reduce the size of the polyps quite quickly. However, it cannot prevent the recurrence of polyps, and some may feel side effects like headaches, nosebleeds, or sore throat.

Corticosteroids
Oral, injectable corticosteroids, a combination of both, are the first lines of treatment for nasal polyps. They may also prescribe antihistamines to control allergies and antibiotics to control infection. You must use these corticosteroids only for the duration prescribed. Random use of these oral steroids can lead to side effects.

Surgery
If doctors cannot reduce or shrink the nasal polyps, they may recommend endoscopic surgery. This procedure helps to remove the polyps and all the other substances to allow the fluids to drain from your sinuses and prevent any further fluid build-up. Endoscopic surgeries are outpatient procedures, and you may go home the same day after some rest.

Home remedies for nasal polyps
Herbal teas and teas made with staple pantry items can effectively control nasal polyps symptoms.

• Turmeric tea: Combine one teaspoon of ground turmeric with a cup of boiling water, sweeten with honey, and drink once a day.
• Ginger tea: Add 1/2 teaspoon of dry ground ginger or one teaspoon of fresh ginger and boil in water for about thirty seconds. Add honey and drink warm.
• Apple cider vinegar: Combine two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar and water and drink thrice daily.
• Cayenne pepper and garlic: If you are at risk of nasal polyps, increase the quantity of cayenne pepper and garlic in your diet as they have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Essential oils: Dilute essential oils with olive, coconut, or almond oil and apply it on the polyps using a cotton swab or use the oils for steam inhalation. Tea trees, eucalyptus, peppermint, and oregano can help in reducing symptoms. Do not use eucalyptus oil directly as it can burn.
• Steam inhalation: Steam inhalation can improve many symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and headache. You can do steam inhalation twice or thrice a day for good impact.