How to Cure Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that can form inside your sinuses and nose. They can be caused by allergies or any sort of irritation within the nasal passage.[1] While they might not be painful, they can grow larger and block your airways, making it harder for you to breathe and smell. There is usually no complete cure for polyps, since they tend to return if you are prone to them. You can, however, take several medical and lifestyle steps to shrink or remove polyps and reduce your risk of forming more.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Curing Polyps with Medical Intervention

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    Visit the doctor if you have symptoms of nasal polyps. Often, nasal polyps do not show symptoms, and you may live your whole life without knowing they are there. If polyps grow larger, however, you can experience complications that will require medical attention. If you have the following symptoms, you should visit the doctor and see if you are suffering from nasal polyps.[2] If they test you and confirm that you have polyps, there are some medical treatments they may recommend.
    • An excessively runny or stuffed up nose.
    • Decreased sense of smell and taste.
    • Pressure on the forehead or face.
    • Feeling like your nose is clogged when mucus isn't present.
    • Headaches.
    • Pain in your upper row of teeth.
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    Use steroid sprays. Steroid sprays can help to reduce the size of your nasal polyps.[3] If the polyps were small enough, they might disappear completely when treated with steroid sprays. Some steroid sprays are sold over the counter at pharmacies, but stronger varieties are available with a prescription. Talk to your doctor about using a steroid spray and see if it would work for you.[4] [5]
    • Some of the common nasal sprays include beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone, and triamcinolone. Nasonex is the most common brand name for steroid nasal sprays.
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    Try steroid nasal drops. Nasal drops, like nasal spray, help to shrink your polyps. Nasal drops can also clear up congestion, which can help you to breathe more easily while your polyps shrink. Most nasal drops take between 7 and 14 days to begin reducing polyps, and it is generally recommended that you continue to use them for another four to six weeks.[6]
    • When administering nasal drops, you should bend fully forward and downward. You should almost feel like you are about to try to stand on your head. Put the drops in your nose while your head hangs down. Keep your head down for 3 to 4 minutes after administering the drops to make sure that the drops reach your nasal cavity.
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    Take an oral steroid medication.[7] Prednisone is a common oral corticosteroid that reduces swelling and inflammation. It can help treat the inflammation in your nose and thus reduce the size of your nasal polyps. You can only get this steroid through a prescription from your doctor. Normally, you would take the steroid for 7 to 10 days.[8] [9]
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    Take oral antibiotics. While antibiotics won't help reduce your polyps, they will treat complications that could result from polyps. If polyps block the sinuses, they can cause a sinus infection because the trapped bacteria will multiply. If you have a sinus infection from your polyps, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.[10]
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    Consider surgery. While these previous treatments will help shrink your polyps, usually the only way to get rid of polyps completely is with surgical removal.[11] If polyps are persistent and causing significant discomfort, your doctor will probably suggest this option. To surgically remove nasal polyps, you will most likely have to get endoscopic sinus surgery. An endoscope—a long tube that has a light and video camera at the end—will be inserted in one of your nostrils and several tools will be used to remove your nasal polyps. You may be placed under general anesthesia during this operation. Usually you are well enough to go home the same day as your surgery.[12] [13]
    • Remember that in some cases, the nasal polyps will return after two or three years.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Preventing Further Growth with Home Remedies

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    Control your allergies or asthma. Both of these conditions can create swelling in the sinuses, which can lead to polyps. Work with your doctor to find a treatment plan for your specific symptoms. Don't give up if you don't have great results right away—speak to your doctor about tweaking your medications until you find something that works for you.[14]
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    Clear your sinuses with a saline rinse. Saline (or saltwater) rinses out irritants and allergens from your sinus passages. Use an over-the-counter saline spray or a neti pot to lower the chances that you'll develop new nasal polyps.[15]
    • To make your own saline solution, mix 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) of non-iodized salt and 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) of baking soda into 1 cup (240 mL) of distilled water. Always use lukewarm distilled water and not tap water, which contains irritants and contaminants. Put this mixture in a clean bulb syringe or a neti pot and rinse out your nasal passages.[16]
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    Use a humidifier. Making the air in your workplace or home more humid moistens your nasal passages. This makes it easier to breathe and allows mucus to drain from your sinuses, which might prevent blockages as well as the irritation that contributes to nasal polyps.[17]
    • Clean your humidifier daily to prevent mold or bacteria from growing, which will further irritate your sinuses.
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    Try to reduce nasal irritants. Allergens and irritants in the air can create more swelling in your nose, which leads to polyps. Stay away from smoke and minimize your exposure to dust and other debris.[18]
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    Eat more foods with anti-inflammatory properties. Because nasal polyps are caused by chronic inflammation, reducing that inflammation may help prevent them.[19] Up your intake of foods with anti-inflammatory effects, including tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables (like collards, kale, and spinach), nuts (such as almonds and walnuts, fatty fish (including salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel), and fruits (like cherries, oranges, strawberries, and blueberries).[20]
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    Avoid home remedies that aren't proven. If you look online, you're likely to find a ton of home remedies, herbs, and supplements that will supposedly cure or prevent nasal polyps. However, most of these "remedies" haven't been proved or tested. For the best results, stick with tried-and-true strategies that medical professionals recommend.
    • Unfortunately, there's not much evidence that things like magnolia, Xanthium, or goldenseal will treat nasal polyps, and taking these supplements could be dangerous in some cases.
    • If you want to try a natural remedy like capsaicin or tea tree oil, ask your doctor if it's safe for you and what application they recommend.[21]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Strengthening Your Immune System to Stop Further Growth

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    Get plenty of sleep each night. When you allow your body to rest, it can fight off illnesses and infections much more easily than if it is overworked and tired. Be aware of your limits—while you might think that you can handle staying up all night to finish a report, know that your immune system will likely pay the price. Try to get seven or eight hours of sleep each night. Even just taking a break to nap when you’re tired can help your immune system function properly. [22]
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    Eat a balanced diet. Another part of keeping your immune system healthy is making sure that you get all of the nutrients that you need. The amount of each nutrient that you need will depend on your weight, age, and health. You can talk to your doctor about a diet plan, or click here to learn more about what you should be eating.[23]
    • Try to fit lean protein, whole wheat carbs, unsaturated fats, non-fat dairy products, and lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet each day.
    • Get between 500 mg and 1000 mg of vitamin C each day. Vitamin C helps to keep your immune system strong and to function. When you don’t get enough vitamin C each day, your immune system can suffer, increasing your chances of getting sick or developing an infection.[24] Vitamin C-rich foods include oranges, lemon, guava, kiwi, strawberries, and papaya.
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    Exercise daily. To keep your body, including your immune system, healthy, you should try to exercise for at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week. Exercise speeds up your metabolism and boosts your immune system’s strength. Try to work in cardiovascular exercise, weight training, and flexibility workouts.[25]
    • Cardio includes running, hiking, biking, swimming, and walking.
    • Strength and flexibility training includes yoga, weight lifting, and stretching.
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Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    Can nasal polyps be removed?
    Payam Daneshrad, MD
    Payam Daneshrad, MD
    Board Certified Otolaryngologist
    Dr. Payam Daneshrad is a board certified Otolaryngologist, a board eligible Facial Plastic Surgeon, and the Owner and Director of Daneshrad Clinic in Los Angeles, California. With over 19 years of experience, Dr. Daneshrad specializes in adult and pediatric Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, packing-less nasal surgery, minimally invasive sinus surgery, and snoring treatment. He also uses the newest surgical ENT techniques for tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, thyroidectomy, and parathyroidectomy. Dr. Daneshrad graduated with a BS and the highest honors from the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Tulane University School of Medicine, where he was accepted into the AOA, the medical honor's society, and the Tulane University School of Public Health. Dr. Daneshrad received his medical training from the University of Southern California, where he currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor. Dr. Daneshrad is the Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon for the Los Angeles Sparks and the athletic teams of Loyola Marymount University.
    Payam Daneshrad, MD
    Payam Daneshrad, MD
    Board Certified Otolaryngologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Yes. Your doctor may give you medication to shrink or reduce nasal polyps, but surgery is the best way to remove them altogether.
  • Question
    Is it alright to swim underwater when using steroid nasal spray?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If you are using a steroid spray, I would not go swimming immediately after applying the steroid. I might try the spray after I was finished swimming.
  • Question
    How many of these home remedies should be used at one time? Which combinations work best? Can they be used in conjunction with medical remedies?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    I would only try one remedy at a time. Each person is different, and different types of home remedies work differently. Talk with your doctor about home remedies in conjunction with medical therapy. I favor medical therapy over home remedies; I feel that they are a more definitive treatment.
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Warnings

  • If you start having trouble breathing because of your polyps, you must go see a doctor immediately.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Always talk to your doctor before trying new herbs or making changes to your lifestyle.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. ↑ Payam Daneshrad, MD. Board Certified Otolaryngologist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
  2. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001641.htm
  3. ↑ Payam Daneshrad, MD. Board Certified Otolaryngologist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
  4. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001641.htm
  5. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20051215/steroid-spray-shrinks-nasal-polyps
  6. ↑ https://patient.info/doctor/nasal-polyps-pro
  7. ↑ Payam Daneshrad, MD. Board Certified Otolaryngologist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
  8. ↑ http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/994274-treatment
  9. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001641.htm
  1. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001641.htm
  2. ↑ Payam Daneshrad, MD. Board Certified Otolaryngologist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
  3. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/nasal-polyps-symptoms-and-treatments
  4. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001641.htm
  5. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/nasal-polyps
  6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20351888
  7. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/sniffing-out-sinus-relief
  8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20351888
  9. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/nasal-polyps
  10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20351888
  11. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
  12. ↑ https://www.nchmd.org/education/mayo-health-library/details/CON-20155767
  13. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
  14. ↑ http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm
  15. ↑ http://www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/how-to-boost-your-immune-system.htm
  16. ↑ http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/American-Heart-Association-Recommendations-for-Physical-Activity-in-Adults_UCM_307976_Article.jsp

About This Article

Payam Daneshrad, MD
Co-authored by:
Payam Daneshrad, MD
Board Certified Otolaryngologist
This article was co-authored by Payam Daneshrad, MD. Dr. Payam Daneshrad is a board certified Otolaryngologist, a board eligible Facial Plastic Surgeon, and the Owner and Director of Daneshrad Clinic in Los Angeles, California. With over 19 years of experience, Dr. Daneshrad specializes in adult and pediatric Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, packing-less nasal surgery, minimally invasive sinus surgery, and snoring treatment. He also uses the newest surgical ENT techniques for tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, thyroidectomy, and parathyroidectomy. Dr. Daneshrad graduated with a BS and the highest honors from the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Tulane University School of Medicine, where he was accepted into the AOA, the medical honor's society, and the Tulane University School of Public Health. Dr. Daneshrad received his medical training from the University of Southern California, where he currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor. Dr. Daneshrad is the Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon for the Los Angeles Sparks and the athletic teams of Loyola Marymount University. This article has been viewed 340,822 times.
13 votes - 69%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: September 5, 2022
Views: 340,822
Categories: Nose Health | Sinus Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

Curing nasal polyps usually requires surgery, but you can prevent the growth of new polyps with simple home remedies. For example, use a saline rinse to clear your nose and sinuses, which will reduce inflammation in your nose. Additionally, open up your nasal passages by boiling water and pouring it into a bowl. Then, drape a towel over your head and neck, and inhale the steam. You can also clear your sinuses by eating horseradish, which you can mix with honey to make the flavor more palatable. To learn how to cure polyps with medical intervention, keep reading!

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