Nasal polyps are benign tumors that may not cause pain, but on the other hand, they may cause infections such as chronic sinusitis or breathing problems. So it is important to treat it. Some tend to remove it through surgery, but are there other ways to remove it for those who are afraid of going into surgeries? Learn about ways to remove nasal polyps without surgery through this article.

How is adenoids diagnosed?

The doctor’s diagnosis depends on the answers to the questions he asks the patient about the symptoms, then he performs a physical examination and a nose examination as well, and in addition to that, there are some other examinations, such as:

• Nasal endoscopy: This examination depends on a thin tube with a lighted magnifying lens or a small camera, which helps the doctor to examine the nose and sinuses accurately.
• Imaging studies: A computed tomography (CT) scan helps the doctor determine the size and location of a sinus adenoma, which helps the doctor rule out other possible causes of blockage in the nasal cavity, such as structural abnormalities or another type of cancerous or noncancerous growth.
• Allergy tests: The doctor may suggest conducting some skin tests, to confirm whether your allergies are causing chronic inflammation, as the doctor puts some small drops of allergens, either on the skin of the forearm or the skin of the upper back, and then the doctor looks for signs of an allergic reaction .
• Cystic Fibrosis test: The doctor resorts to this test when a child has adenoids, as it is a genetic test for cystic fibrosis, which affects the glands that produce mucus, tears, and sweat. This test usually tests a sick child’s sweat to determine whether or not his sweat is saltier than most people’s.
• Blood test: The doctor performs a blood test; To detect whether vitamin D levels are low or not, in addition to making sure that there are specific antibodies to different allergens or not.

Can nasal polyps be removed without surgery?

It is not possible to completely remove nasal polyps except with surgery, but it has been found that the adenoids shrink and symptoms subside in about 80% of people when using prescribed steroid sprays or oral medications, as we will present them as follows:

Medication for nasal polyps

Depending on the size and location of your adenoids as well as your symptoms, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following medication options to help remove polyps without surgery:

1. Nasal sprays

Nasal steroid sprays are among the most common medications for nasal polyps, as they reduce inflammation and the size of the polyps. to relieve symptoms. And unlike oral steroids, they are safe for several years.

The doctor may also recommend a saline spray, for use several times a day. To help clear the nasal passages.

2. Oral steroids

For larger adenoids, the doctor may prescribe some short-term oral steroids. This may help shrink these polyps and improve more severe symptoms, such as loss of smell.

Because of the special risk of side effects of these steroids, they are preferred for temporary use only.

3. Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are sometimes prescribed with steroids when you have an infection with nasal polyps, but they don’t shrink the nasal polyps.

4. Asthma and allergy medications

Adults with asthma are more likely to develop polyps, so medications used to treat asthma and allergies may help treat polyps in some people.

Fluticasone is an over-the-counter corticosteroid spray, usually used to treat allergies, and may help polyps by reducing inflammation.

Leukotriene antagonists such as Montelukast, which is prescribed for asthma and allergies, have been found to help treat symptoms of nasal polyps in some people.

5. Dupilumab

Dupilumab was FDA-approved in 2019 to treat chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. Where researchers found that this drug helps to discourage chemicals that help in the occurrence of inflammation, which leads to symptoms of nasal polyps.

Dupilumab is given every two weeks, and your doctor is likely to add this drug to your treatment plan if corticosteroids alone don’t provide enough relief. Where the drug helps:

• Reducing the size of the adenoids.
• improve symptoms.
• Reducing the need for surgery for people who do not respond to steroids.

Herbal nose treatment

Doctors tend to prescribe medications in an attempt to remove nasal polyps without surgery, but if you are looking for natural alternatives to medications that help improve symptoms and feel more comfortable, you can rely on the following, but it is preferable after consulting a doctor.

1. Cayenne pepper

Hot peppers contain capsaicin, and studies have indicated that this compound can help clear the sinuses, either by using it as a nasal spray or when ingested. The best use is about one to two teaspoons of chili seasoning on food.

2. Tea tree oil

Some research has shown that tea tree oil reduces itching and treats inflammation and infection as an antimicrobial, which may help treat nasal polyps.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, but it can cause inflammation of the airways, and studies haven’t shown that it gets rid of adenoids permanently.

Adding about 1 or 2 teaspoons to food is the best use of this spice.

4. Garlic garlic

Garlic has great health benefits, including boosting immunity to fight infection and reducing inflammation. And you can use one or two teaspoons on food.

5. Ginger

Some studies have indicated that ginger helps to calm infections, in addition to strengthening immunity through antimicrobial properties.

You can drink it as a hot drink, or add 1 or 2 teaspoons to your food.

Steam inhalation

Studies show that inhaling hot steam may help with symptoms common with nasal polyps, such as headaches caused by sinusitis.

Steam inhalation includes: steam showers, steam rooms, or even the steam of boiling water on a stove.

Is the removal of nasal polyps without surgery effective?

Some studies indicated that about 80% of people who take oral steroids have a decrease in the size of their nasal polyps, and given the serious side effects, it may be preferred to use nasal sprays.

A 2020 study concluded that Dupilumab is significantly helpful in treating chronic sinusitis with the presence of nasal polyps. Where the researchers found that after 24 weeks of taking it, the size of the adenoids decreased and their lives improved, paving the way for discovering effective treatments to remove nasal polyps without surgery.

Do you go back to the nose after removing it?

Nasal polyps can return after taking medications, in addition to the possibility of them returning after surgery as well. And researchers are still working on finding a way to permanently treat nasal polyps.

When is surgery the best solution?

If none of the other treatments help, it may be time to have sinus surgery and remove the nasal polyps. Endoscopic sinus surgery is the most common.

What can you expect from a doctor’s visit?

The doctor will ask you some questions, and being ready to answer them will save time to discuss any other things you want to know. The doctor may ask you the following:

• When did you first start feeling symptoms?
• When was the last time you had a cold or sinus infection?
• How often do you get colds or sinus infections?
• Do you have any allergies? Do you know what might cause you that sensitivity?
• Do you have asthma?
• Do you usually take aspirin or any other pain relievers?
• do you smoke?
• Have you ever had any nose or sinus surgery?

After knowing the effectiveness of removing nasal polyps without surgery, we advise you to consult a doctor regarding home remedies, whether with herbs or even with the use of medications, especially if you are facing these symptoms for the first time.