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Nasal Polyp Cure

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that form in nasal passages and sinus cavities. Although small nasal polyps rarely cause any discomfort and may never require treatment, large nasal polyps can cause chronic sinus infections, breathing troubles and might even lead to a loss of the sense of smell. When nasal polyps require treatment, the most common cures are oral medication, nasal spray and surgery.

  1. Oral Medication

    • The most commonly prescribed medication for nasal polyps is prednisone, an oral corticosteroid. Prednisone effectively shrinks nasal polyps within one to two weeks. It is important not to remain on prednisone longer than is absolutely necessary because it may cause severe side effects, such as ladrenal suppression, high blood glucose levels, Cushing's syndrome, weight gain, osteoporosis and glaucoma, if used for an extended period of time.

    Nasal Spray

    • Nasal spray may be prescribed by itself or in addition to prednisone as a cure for nasal polyps. A corticosteroid nasal spray, such as Flonase, Rhinocort and Nasarel, will reduce nasal inflammation and shrink nasal polyps. Although corticosteroid nasal sprays tend to cure nasal polyps less quickly than prednisone, some doctors prescribe them before oral medication because a spray is less likely to induce negative side effects.

    Surgery

    • If a nasal polyp does not respond to oral medication or nasal spray, then surgery may be required. Depending on the size and location of your polyp, your doctor will schedule a polypectomy or an endoscopic sinus surgery. A polypectomy is a fast outpatient procedure that involves using a suction device called a microdebrider to slice and remove soft polyp tissue. An endoscopic sinus surgery is also an outpatient procedure, but it is more involved and time-consuming than a polypectomy. During endoscopic sinus surgery, the surgeon inserts an endoscope with a camera through your nostrils and into your sinus cavities. Once the endoscope provides a clear picture of the nasal obstruction, small surgical instruments are used to remove the polyp.

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