What is the best long-term treatment for nasal polyps?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing constant nasal congestion for several months, along with a reduced sense of smell and pressure around my eyes. My ear, nose, and throat specialist performed a nasal endoscopy and diagnosed me with nasal polyps. He recommended using a steroid nasal spray and mentioned that surgery might be necessary if the symptoms do not improve. However, I would like to avoid surgery if possible. Do nasal polyps always return even after treatment? I have also read about new injectable treatments for nasal polyps. Are these effective and safe? Some days, breathing through my nose feels nearly impossible, and it is affecting my sleep. I want to know the best long-term treatment options for this condition.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Treatments for nasal polyps might include medication, surgery, and newer biologic therapies. The first course of treatment is often a nasal corticosteroid spray prescribed by your doctor. For many people, this spray can shrink or even remove nasal polyps. Oral corticosteroids may also be used in some cases. However, nasal polyps often return if the underlying irritation, allergy, infection, or inflammation continues. While antihistamines and decongestants may help relieve allergy symptoms that can contribute to nasal polyp development, these medications do not directly treat the polyps themselves.

If medications do not effectively shrink or remove the nasal polyps, endoscopic surgery may be required. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the polyps that block the proper drainage and ventilation of the sinuses and nasal passages. This surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis. An additional treatment option is DUPIXENT (Dupilumab), an add-on maintenance injectable medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adult patients with inadequately controlled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). It is administered once every two weeks. After six months of treatment with DUPIXENT, patients are more likely to have fewer and smaller nasal polyps.

I hope this helps.

Take care.