Lawrence Chow / ENT Doctor
5 Ways to Treat Nasal Polyps at Home
Nasal polyps are growths located in the interior part of nostrils and the nasopharyngeal cavity. The cause is unknown and is commonly associated with other diseases like allergic rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis and some upper respiratory tract infections.
These growths are benign but there are several studies that point to cases of malignant tumors developing from the polyps. In severe cases, the number of polyps becomes significant enough to cause breathing problems and will need surgical removal.
The following is a list of things you can do at home to reduce your chances of developing nasal polyps, and if you have one, what remedies you can do to ease the discomfort associated with the disease.
1．Over-the-counter corticosteroids.
Depending on the state you live in, your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter corticosteroids to help you breathe easier. These work by reducing the size of the nasal polyps, freeing up room for air to pass in the nasal cavity.
The best time to take corticosteroids would be at night, or simply follow the instructions provided in the prescription. Corticosteroids dampen the immune system and also reduce inflammation and swelling.
2．Nasal sprays.
Nasal sprays provide quick relief for obstructed nasal airways. They work by reducing the inflammation and swelling. Some nasal sprays also come with a mint scent that should give a cooling sensation.
Nasal sprays can have a solution of corticosteroids or decongestants or both. Be careful in using nasal sprays, as some health experts have identified a possible side effect of the overuse of nasal sprays called rebound congestion.
3．Steam therapy.
Steam therapy is also a good choice for people with nasal polyps. The steam will provide moisture to the dry and clogged environment inside the nasal cavity. This should facilitate an easier time breathing.
Some essential oils can also be added in the water while doing a steam therapy. Eucalyptus, lavender, and chamomile all have calming effects and should make your steam therapy experience a better one.
4．Cayenne pepper.
And no, you’re not supposed to inhale cayenne pepper because it will irritate your lungs. Instead, you can include cayenne pepper in your diet. The warmth that capsaicin (the primary compound that produces the spicy sensation) causes will help your body produce mucus.
Mucus works as a lubricant and in nasal polyps, this will help the polyps reposition to allow you to breathe. It’s also the main reason why you clear your throat after eating spicy food because it also acts as bronchodilator and vasodilator (both of which means to dilate lung airways and blood vessels).
5．Antihistamines.
The drug used for treating the symptoms of allergies is also the same for nasal polyps. It has a similar action to corticosteroids and helps reduce swelling. Antihistamines don’t suppress the immune system as strongly as steroids so people with nasal polyps can opt for a Benadryl instead.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
What You Need to Know About Dupixent
Chronic sinusitis is a challenging medical condition that will require patience combined with prompt and proper medical intervention to completely resolve. The presence of nasal polyps aggravates the symptoms and, thus, make it even more challenging for your ENT doctor to treat.
Fortunately, there’s hope for people who suffer from chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps! Here are a few things that you should know about it.
Approved in 2019
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Dupixent (dupilumab) only on 26 June 2019. It was considered as the first treatment for chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, particularly for adult patients. It’s used for inadequately controlled cases of the condition and, as such, can be prescribed along with other medical interventions.
But Dupixent isn’t a new medication per se. In fact, it was originally approved by the FDA in 2017 as treatment for inadequately controlled eczema in patients 12 years old and above. It was also approved in 2018 as an add-on drug for patients 12 years old and up who have been diagnosed with either oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma or severe eosinophilic asthma.
The approval for Dupixent’s use was granted to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
Decreases the Need for Oral Steroids and Surgery
By the way, chronic sinusitis refers to the prolonged inflammation of the sinuses and the nasal cavity. Nasal polyps are abnormal growths on the sinuses’ inner lining. In some cases, patients with nasal polyps may undergo surgery to remove them; nasal polyps can also result in loss of the sense of smell.
But surgery may not be necessary since Dupixent works by decreasing the size of the nasal polyps and lessening the nasal congestion. The medication may also reduce the need for taking oral and intranasal steroids, thus, relieving the symptoms.
In two studies about the safety and efficacy of Dupixent, patients who received it experienced significant reductions in the size of their nasal polyps and the severity of their nasal congestion. They also reported better smell ability as well as reduced need for oral steroids and surgery.
Dupixent isn’t an over-the-counter medication that can be taken orally. Your ENT doctor will inject it into your body, a mode of administration that increases its efficacy.
Side Effects Are Possible
Like most medications, Dupixent can cause serious allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. These side effects include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Pain
- Changes in vision
- Conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the eye
- Keratis, of inflammation of the cornea
- Inflammation of the eyelids, which may or may not be accompanied by itching, swelling and redness
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult with your doctor and/or your ophthalmologist.
Extremely Important: If you receive Dupixent, you shouldn’t receive live vaccines.
Lastly, Dupixent isn’t the be-all and end-all of treatment for chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications like antibiotics and antihistamines.
For more details of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps and their treatment, please consult our ENT doctor.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Nasal Polyps Symptoms and Treatments
Nasal Polyps Symptoms and Treatments
Nasal polyps are growths that appear on the nasal passage lining or sinuses. Although they are noncancerous, they can still be painful at times and if left untreated could result in complications. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat the condition, and it’s easy to recognize the symptoms. Continue reading
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另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。
另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。