Nasal polyps are a very common sinus issue that presents itself in many people. For the most part, these polyps are not dangerous and they are not cancerous. These teardrop-shaped growths form in the sinus cavities and can cause anything from mild annoyance with a stuffed or drippy nose, or it can cause chronic rhinosinusitis, which is on the more serious side. Thankfully, Nasal polyps are not painful when you touch them and most can be treated through medication.

If they are on the more serious side, they may be treated with a minor outpatient surgery. Below are the many treatment options for nasal polyps:

1. Developing a treatment plan

Once your doctor diagnoses you with nasal polyps, you will work together and come up with the best way to treat your polyps so that symptoms will go away for the long-term. Medications are typically where most doctors will start the treatment process, though if it is bad enough (i.e., large and blocking airways) from the beginning they may recommend surgery first.

2. Medication for nasal polyps

A nasal corticosteroid spray is often the first line of treatment for nasal polyps. These sprays can help reduce the swelling or size of the polyps as well as the irritation in the nasal passages. Other drug treatments may include:

• Injectable corticosteroids: Injectable corticosteroids are a great defense against pretty severe polyps that sprays cannot ease. These drugs are not as invasive or painful as surgery.

• Prescribed medications: If the above medications do not work, your doctor may prescribe an oral drug to help reduce swelling in the sinuses. They may prescribe antihistamines to combat allergies, antibiotics, or dupilumab (Dupixent), which should be taken under the care of an allergist.

3. Surgery

If the drugs that your doctor prescribed does not do the trick to reduce the size of nasal polyps, then the next step may be surgery. During endoscopic surgery, a surgeon will insert a small tube with a tiny camera on the end through the nose. They will then insert tiny instruments to remove nasal polyps and free your nasal passages of any blockages.

No matter which route you decide is best for you, getting rid of your nasal polyps does not have to be extremely difficult or painful. Don’t let it get so bad that it obstructs your life.