Sinus polyps treatment and causes

Chronic sinusitis is a difficult illness to entirely resolve. You will collaborate with your health care team to design an appropriate long-term treatment plan to manage your symptoms and treat conditions that may contribute to chronic swelling, such as inflammation.

The goal of nasal polyp treatment is to decrease or remove the polyps. Medications are usually the first line of defense. Surgery may be required in some cases, although it may not provide a permanent solution since polyps return.

Medications

Nasal polyp treatment typically begins with medications, which can cause even big polyps to shrink or disappear. Among the possible drug therapies are:

Nasal corticosteroids: Your doctor will most likely prescribe a corticosteroid nasal spray to minimize swelling and discomfort. 

Oral and injectable corticosteroids:

 If a nasal corticosteroid doesn't work, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone. Because oral corticosteroids can have substantial side effects, they are normally only used for a short period of time. If the nasal polyps are significant, injectable corticosteroids may be administered. 

Other medications: 

Your doctor may prescribe drugs to treat diseases that lead to long-term swelling in your sinuses or nasal passages. Antihistamines may be used to treat allergies, while antibiotics may be used to treat a chronic or recurring infection.  

Surgery

Suppose medication does not shrink or eliminate nasal polyps. In that case, you may require endoscopic surgery to remove the polyps and repair sinus abnormalities that render them prone to inflammation and the growth of polyps.

Endoscopic surgery involves the surgeon inserting a small tube (endoscope) with a lit magnifying lens or tiny camera into your nostrils and guiding it into your sinus cavities. He or she will use tiny instruments to remove polyps and other objects that are obstructing the flow of fluids from your sinuses.

You'll most likely use a corticosteroid nasal spray after surgery to help prevent the return of nasal polyps. Your doctor may advise you to use a saltwater rinse to improve healing following surgery.

Causes and Risk Factors for Nasal Polyps

Nobody knows what causes nasal polyps or why they appear in some people but not others. Some specialists feel it has to do with the immune system or the chemical composition of your nose and sinus lining.

Allergy rhinitis, asthma, aspirin allergy, sinus infections, acute and chronic infections, anything trapped in the nose, and cystic fibrosis are all associated with nasal polyps. However, many times the cause is unknown. They can occur before the development of asthma or sinusitis.