Nasal polyps are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in the lining of your nose or sinuses (air-filled spaces in the skull). They result from chronic inflammation that is associated with conditions such as asthma, recurring upper respiratory tract infections and other allergies.
They are soft, painless growths and vary in their size. The colour of these polyps range from yellowish-brown to pink and are shaped like tear-drops. These polyps may grow in one or both nostrils at the same time.
Small nasal polyps usually do not show any symptoms, whereas large polyps can cause difficulty in breathing and changes in the sense of smell.
Few other symptoms of polyps include itching, running nose, stuffy or blocked nose, postnasal drip (a feeling of mucus continually running down the back of your throat) headache, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (a sleep disorder where you stop breathing for brief periods of time during your sleep) in severe cases.
Large polyps can block the sinuses and cause regular sinus infections. Small nasal polyps that are asymptomatic will not require treatment, whereas large polyps have to be treated as they can cause breathing problems and other complications.
The common treatment methods for polyps include steroids and surgery (commonly for large polyps). Additionally, several natural alternatives can effectively help manage nasal polyps.
Take a glance at a few home remedies that could be helpful. Ensure to discuss with your doctor before trying them.
Natural or Home Remedies to Treat Nasal Polyps
1. Capsaicin. Capsaicin is a compound found in chilli peppers. Cayenne pepper contains high concentrations of capsaicin. This compound is known to relieve pain and discomfort. It helps clear the sinuses and when applied inside your nasal cavity, it helps decrease the size of the nasal polyps.
It is believed that capsaicin can also prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps after surgery. Nasal sprays containing capsaicin are available in the market and can help relieve the symptoms of nasal polyps.
2. Turmeric. Tumeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic (the ability to stop or slow down the growth of disease-causing microorganisms) properties.
It helps manage the symptoms of nasal polyps that cause discomforts such as itching and a stuffy nose and it also helps reduce excess mucus production. Take one spoon of turmeric powder, mix it in a glass of warm milk and have it once or twice a day.
3. Steam inhalation. Inhaling steam can help in reducing the swelling in the airways and also helps in thinning the mucus. You can heat a bowl of water and carefully position your face over it. Covering your head with a towel will help prevent the steam from dissipating. Taking a long hot shower is also a great way to inhale the steam.
4. Saline nasal irrigation. Irrigating the sinuses with sterile saline solution will help ease the symptoms of nasal polyps.
You can use a neti pot, a specially designed nasal irrigation bottle/pot to flush your nasal cavity and sinuses. It helps clean your nasal cavity from dust and other irritants.
Use warm water to fill your neti pot and mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt in it. Tilt your head and run the solution through one nostril and out from the other, repeat the same on the other side. You can blow your nostrils afterwards to clear the solution.
5. Bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme that is naturally found in pineapples. It has the ability to decrease inflammation (swelling) of the nasal and sinus cavities and therefore, is an effective home remedy for nasal polyps.
It is available in the form of tablets over the counter at your local pharmacies.
6. Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and swelling of your sinuses. It is easily available in the market. This oil can be allergic to a few, so make sure you do a patch test before applying it to your nasal membranes.
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