Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They hang down like teardrops or grapes. They result from chronic inflammation due to asthma, recurring infection, allergies, drug sensitivity, or certain immune disorders. Small nasal polyps may not cause symptoms. Larger growths or groups of nasal polyps can block your nasal passages or lead to nasal congestion, a loss of sense of smell, and frequent infections. While medications can shrink or eliminate nasal polyps, surgery is sometimes needed to remove them. Even after successful treatment, nasal polyps often return.
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps affect many people and often create significant discomfort in daily life. Doctors associate these growths with chronic inflammation in the lining of the nose and sinuses. People with asthma or frequent sinus infections are more likely to develop them. The growths vary in size, and their color typically appears yellowish or pinkish.
You might not realize you have polyps until a doctor examines your nose. Symptoms often mimic those of a common cold that never seems to go away. Persistent stuffiness, runny nose, and postnasal drip are common indicators. A decreased sense of smell and taste frequently accompanies these issues.
These growths block airflow and drainage from the sinuses. This blockage creates a fertile environment for infections to take hold repeatedly. Medical professionals diagnose the condition by looking inside the nose with a lighted instrument or a nasal endoscope. Imaging studies like CT scans help determine the exact location and size of the polyps.
Which Treatments Are New?
Medical researchers continue to develop therapies to help patients manage this chronic nasal congestion effectively. Traditional options like corticosteroid sprays remain a primary line of defense. Recent advancements focus on targeting the specific biological pathways that cause inflammation. Biologics represent a significant shift in how doctors approach the management of recurring polyps.
- Dupilumab: This medication is an injectable biologic that targets specific proteins in the immune system. Blocking these proteins, it reduces the inflammation that fuels polyp growth. Studies show it can shrink polyps and improve symptoms significantly.
- Omalizumab: Doctors prescribe this biologic primarily for allergic asthma, but it also helps reduce nasal polyps. It works by binding to an antibody involved in allergic responses. This action prevents the release of chemicals that cause inflammation.
- Mepolizumab: This treatment targets interleukin-5, a protein that promotes the growth of eosinophils. Eosinophils are white blood cells often found in high numbers in nasal polyp tissue. Reducing these cells helps control the size of the polyps.
- Exhalation Delivery Systems: New devices improve how patients deliver medication deep into the nasal cavity. These systems use the force of your breath to propel medication into hard-to-reach areas. This ensures better coverage compared to standard nasal sprays.
These newer options offer hope for those who find little relief from standard sprays or surgery. Biologics specifically help patients with severe cases that keep coming back. They address the root cause of the inflammation rather than just the symptoms. Discussing these options with a healthcare provider helps determine the best path forward.
Who Is a Candidate?
Not every treatment suits every patient, so doctors evaluate specific criteria before prescribing new therapies. Candidates for biologics typically have polyps that return despite previous surgeries or consistent use of corticosteroids. Your medical history plays a big role in this decision-making process.
- Adults with uncontrolled severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- Patients who have undergone previous sinus surgery
- Individuals with co-existing conditions like severe asthma
- Those who do not respond well to systemic corticosteroids
Doctors will review your overall health and the severity of your symptoms. They check if standard therapies failed to provide adequate relief over time. A thorough evaluation ensures that the benefits of these newer treatments outweigh potential risks.
Seek Treatment For Nasal Congestion
Living with constant nasal congestion affects your sleep, energy, and overall quality of life. You do not have to accept restricted breathing as your normal state. Many effective strategies exist to manage polyps and restore clear breathing. Visit an otolaryngologist to discuss your symptoms and explore whether traditional methods or newer biologic treatments fit your needs. Taking action now can help you breathe easier and reclaim your comfort.
