Nasal polyps are soft growths that can develop in your nose as a result of long-term swelling — from colds, allergies, and other conditions — in your nasal passages. They are more common in people who have allergies or have had chronic sinusitis. They tend to grow near the top of your nose because it is the main drainage point from your sinuses.
Nasal polyps can make you feel like your nose is stuffed up or make it harder for you to taste or smell things. They are not painful themselves but can cause pressure or pain in your sinuses. They can also lead to recurring sinus infections, block air flow, or worsen asthma. There are lots of good treatments available, from medication to surgery, and things you can — and should not — do at home.
Here are the dos and don’ts of nasal polyps:
DO tell a provider if you are having a lot of sinus infections, postnasal drip, nasal discharge, trouble smelling, tasting, or breathing or if you notice a lot of pressure or pain in your nose and sinus area. Ask if you should get tested for specific allergens that might be causing your sinusitis (the medical term for swollen sinus passages).
DON'T try to remove nasal polyps on your own. You can damage your nasal passage and cause bleeding and infection.
DO reduce irritants in your home. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove pollen, dust, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles. You can also buy HEPA filters for your vacuum. When you clean dust and debris, use a damp microfiber cloth that will trap the particles rather than a duster that will just send them back up into the air.
DON'T expose your nose to potentially harmful or irritating airborne substances such as tobacco smoke, chemicals, allergens, dust, or incense.
DO quit smoking. Although not a quick and easy fix, quitting smoking is an important one because cigarette smoke is a proven cause of nasal polyps. If the idea feels overwhelming, know that there are many ways to quit smoking with support. Talk to your doctor to help get you started.
DO stay hydrated to thin out mucus and keep it moving, making it less likely to build up and cause congestion, postnasal drip, and polyps.
DO use a humidifier to keep the air moist in places where you spend a lot of time, such as the bedroom. Try sleeping with your head slightly elevated to encourage mucus to drain during the night and prevent postnasal drip.
DON'T forget to clean your humidifier regularly to keep it from developing a fungus or bacteria that can end up being an irritant itself.
DO rinse your nasal passages with saline solution. Using a saline mist spray or a saline rinse system will help keep mucus flowing and wash out any irritants you inhale. You can buy sterile systems at your local pharmacy or use a neti pot. Make sure to follow the directions to keep your neti pot clean and use it safely.
DON'T blow your nose really hard. The pressure can increase the swelling in polyps or damage them.
DO follow your provider’s directions on nasal sprays or other treatments that can lower swelling, improve airflow, and prevent nasal polyps from worsening or coming back after treatment.
DON'T settle for treatments that are not improving your symptoms. There are a number of different approaches your provider can try if the one you start with isn’t helping.
DO talk to your provider about changing treatment if it is not bringing you relief. Research available treatments before your appointment.
DON'T try alternative treatments without talking to your provider. There is some limited evidence that echinacea can lower the risk of recurrent respiratory infections and complications from them, but more research is needed before this can be recommended. It’s important to talk to your provider before trying treatments that have not been proven to be helpful.
DO stay on top of treatments for any chronic condition such as asthma or allergies to reduce the likelihood of swelling in your sinuses, and regularly wash your hands well to make it less likely that you will catch viruses (such as a cold), which can also cause sinusitis.
DON'T ignore symptoms of allergies, asthma, or nasal polyps. Keep in touch with your provider if you are consistently having symptoms. They may need to adjust your treatment and can keep a lookout for nasal polyps.
