Published on Jul 22, 2015 and last reviewed on Aug 11, 2022 - 5 min read
Abstract
Nasal polyps are pulpy, teardrop-shaped growths that develop inside the nostril wall or sinuses. They block the airways and cause congestion, headaches, sinus pain, etc. Please read the article to know in detail about the home remedies of nasal polyps.
Nasal polyps are pulpy, noncancerous, soft extra growth of the cells present inside the nostril wall.
They are yellow, pink, or red in color and the most common location is at the junction of the nasal cavity and sinuses.
There are many different shapes of it, such as teardrop-shaped and peeled grapes.
The signs and symptoms associated with nasal polyps are,
Flu.
Frequent headaches.
Nasal congestion.
Recurrent common cold.
Sinusitis.
The nasal twang invoice.
Running nose.
Allergies.
Other respiratory diseases.
When nasal polyps are small in nature, it does not require any treatment and it can get cured by itself. But when it is large in nature, it restricts the outflow of the mucus from the sinus. This restricting outflow from the sinus will aggravate the condition due to the accumulation of mucus. As a result, the mucus becomes infected and causes inflammation. There are many treatments available for shrinkage of nasal polyps, but the most popular and effective are the natural remedies.
The following are the natural and home remedies to treat this condition, and these home remedies are very effective and act quickly.
1. Use of Saline Nasal Spray: Epsom salt is well dissolved in warm distilled water. A plastic-made syringe is used to administer this solution in each nostril at two hour intervals. It relieves the symptoms like nasal inflammation and decongestion.
2. Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam at a regular time duration throughout the day may also decrease nasal congestion and different symptoms associated with it. The fundamental procedure involves boiling water in a pot with some amount of vaporizer, and inhaling the steam.
3. Use of Apple Cider Vinegar: The most effective remedy is the inhalation of the apple cider vinegar steam. 10 ml vinegar is well mixed with hot water. This steam can be inhaled throughout the day, which helps in washing out the bacteria and infectious material from the nostril and helps relieve congestion. It also works like a lubricant which reduces inflammation.
4. Use of Turmeric Powder: Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antipyretic properties. One tablespoon of turmeric should be well mixed with one glass of hot milk, and can be taken twice daily. It accelerates the healing process as well as reduces the production of extra mucus from the nasal cavity.
5. Intake of Garlic: Garlic removes the infectious material as it has high antiseptic properties and also prevents the growth of polyp. The antioxidant properties help to drain the mucus. Drink a glass of garlic water every day by adding finely chopped garlic to hot water for better results.
6. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil causes shortening of the polyp due to the high antibiotic activity. It is highly effective in treating nasal polyps and prevents the recurrence of nasal polyps. Dip a cotton wool in the oil and place it in the affected nostril.
7. Use of Pepper: A particular type of pepper such as cayenne pepper contains a high concentration of capsaicin. This chemical has the ability to reduce the size of extra growth in the nostril and is the best treatment for intense headaches associated with nasal polyps.
8. Intake of Pineapple: Pineapple contains a substance named bromelain, which helps to destroy the extra cells and decreases the size of the polyp. The immunity of the sinus cavity is well maintained by frequent and regular intake of this fruit.
9. The Mixture of Different Varieties of Oil: Take an equal quantity of eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and grape seed oil in a container. Administer this mixture into the nostril twice a day for one to two weeks depending upon the severity of the disease to reduce the severity as well as size and inflammation.
10. External Application With Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide has high antibiotic properties which causes shrinkage of polyp, making the respiration process easier and also improves the sense of smell. Take one cotton swab and dip it into the solution of hydrogen peroxide and place it on the affected area for half an hour twice daily for five days. Discomfort and irritation are common complications associated with it.
11. Application of Castor Oil: Castor oil is very effective and reduces the need for surgery. Intake of one to two tablespoons of castor oil daily reduces the risk of recurrence, which is best advised to be taken orally. It eliminates the moisture content of the polyp and makes it dry. Once it becomes dry, it reduces in size. In addition, it also strengthens the immune system of humans and also kills the bacteria and fungus responsible for it.
12. Use of Goldenseal: Goldenseal is effective against Candida infection. It improves the environment of the nasal cavity, disinfects the sinus membrane, and enhances the lymphatic drainage, thereby removing the organisms from the affected area.
13. Bromelain: Pineapple is rich in fiber, anti-inflammatory properties, and immune system-boosting enzymes. It has the ability to reduce swelling, and so bromelain helps to reduce symptoms of,
Dosage -
14. Magnesium: Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties and relaxes the body. Take magnesium-rich foods to overcome nasal polyps, such as,
Dosage -
Take a Magnesium supplement, 400 to 420 milligrams, as a daily supplement. The recommended daily allowance is changed according to age, pregnancy, lactation, etc.
15. Onions: It is full of antioxidants that act against inflammation and is good for asthma or respiratory infections. Onions come in different varieties, and all onions are good for nasal polyps.
16. Greens Vegetables: Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties are much needed to cure nasal polyps, so eat foods rich in,
They are highly present in greens and cabbage family vegetables, such as
17. Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol irritates lungs and sinuses, creating respiratory problems, rhinitis, and also nasal polyps.
18. Avoid Food Allergens: Plan your diet properly if you have nasal polyps because adding food allergens to the diet can aggravate nasal polyps. The food allergens may be specific to the person, and avoid the following if you are allergic to lessen the inflammation and allergic reactions.
Conclusion:
If you suspect you are allergic to certain things or if you have a food allergy make sure, you avoid them and take necessary precautions. In case you come across any allergens unknowingly, follow these natural remedies, as at-home treatment is convenient. Also, you can follow an elimination diet for a short period to eliminate and figure out certain foods that cause allergies to the digestive systems.
If drugs are not helpful in shrinking or eliminating nasal polyps, endoscopic surgery is performed. Here, the polyp is removed after a small tube is inserted through the nose to the sinus.
The exact cause is still not known. Chronic inflammation or irritation of the nasal passages or sinuses are believed to give rise to them. Some conditions that can cause such chronic irritation are asthma, aspirin sensitivity, sinusitis, cystic fibrosis, and vitamin D deficiency.
Topical, systemic, or injectable corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for nasal polyps. Your doctor might also prescribe antibiotics and antihistamines along with corticosteroids.
Nasal polyps can be very small and painless, and usually, do not cause symptoms. They mostly will not disappear without treatment. Medications can shrink and make them fall off.
There is no known natural treatment for nasal polyps that will completely eliminate them. Some home remedies that might ease the symptoms are using a neti pot or nasal irrigation, steam inhalation, tea tree oil, chamomile, turmeric, eucalyptus, peppermint, garlic, and ginger.
No, nasal polyps are soft and painless growth. As such, they do not cause any symptoms, but if the polyp is too big, it blocks the nasal or sinus passage and causes symptoms like runny nose, postnasal drip, loss of taste, snoring, and nosebleeds.
Foods or food allergy do not cause nasal polyps
Antibiotics are only prescribed if the nasal polyp is present along with bacterial sinus infection. Otherwise, corticosteroid sprays or medicines are used to treat nasal polyps.
Nasal polyps are yellowish-brown to pinkish in color and the size varies. Initially, they are teardrops shaped, but the mature ones look like peeled grapes.
The treatment is usually started with corticosteroids. Even the bigger polyps shrink and disappear, but if the sinus or nasal irritation is not treated, it recurs. If medicines are not effective, then endoscopic surgery is done.
Last reviewed at:
11 Aug 2022 - 5 min read
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Do we need biopsy for nasal polyp?
Query: Hi doctor,My mother is having difficulty in breathing. We have consulted a doctor. Based up on the diagnosis, he advised a surgery for the polyp in the right side of her nose. She is 45 years old. Her weight is 65 kg and height is 5'4". Currently, no biopsy has been done. Do we need to check biopsy?... Read Full »
Kindly suggest an effective treatment for bad cold.
Query: Hello doctor, My wife is 28 years old. She is having a bad cold since last few days and having throat pain and discomfort. She has an ear pain because of continuously coughing and sneezing. Kindly let us know any further precautions and medications so that it can subside soon. She is currently havin... Read Full »
My 1.1 years old baby often gets cold and cough. Why?
Query: Hi doctor, My daughter is 1.1 years old and she weights around 8.5 kg. For the last couple of months she gets cold and cough for every 10 days. We are not using any medication. Let us know if we have to get her tested. Is this is really a concern. Apart from this, she is very active and has no oth... Read Full »
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