A common condition, nasal polyps can be caused by infection, allergies, or inflammation. Nasal polyps are usually non-cancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nose and sinuses. While they can vary in size, nasal polyps are shaped like teardrops, but as they grow, they can eventually look like grapes on a stem. Nasal polyps can occur at any age but are more commonly seen in men. While the exact cause is unknown, nasal polyps are more frequently seen in individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma, and frequent sinus infections. Unfortunately, these growths can affect a person’s sense of smell and can cause breathing difficulties. In addition, when polyps block the sinuses, problems such as regular sinus infections can occur. Luckily, there are natural treatments for nasal polyps available that may help give you some relief.
While some people with nasal polyps may not experience any signs or symptoms, some of the common symptoms of nasal polyps include:
• Postnasal drip
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Difficulty breathing
• Sneezing
• Little to no sense of smell
• Poor sense of taste
• Snoring
• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Sinus infections
• Double vision (seen in severe cases)
• Obstructive sleep apnea (seen in severe cases)
No treatments are currently proven to get rid of nasal polyps completely. However, there are some that have been shown to improve symptoms, and any discomfort felt. Luckily, there are many natural treatments for nasal polyps available to help treat and soothe your polyps.
Humidifier or Steam Inhalation– Adding more humidity to the air or inhaling steam from a large bowl or pan is an excellent way to help moisten and open up your sinuses and airway. By doing this, you can help relieve inflammation, prevent blockages, and thin out the mucus in your nose.
Bromelain– Mainly contained in the dense core of a pineapple, bromelain is a powerful enzyme that can help boost your immune system and reduce swelling. Reduced swelling means reduced symptoms of sinus infections, and can help protect against asthma and allergies.
Neti Pot– Nasal irrigation may help with nasal polyps by relieving some of the symptoms, as well as the causes, such as sinus infections or allergies. Nasal irrigation involves a small pot, or a neti pot, to run sterilized water or saline through the nasal passages and sinuses to help remove excess mucus and debris.
Avoid Alcohol– While an occasional glass here, and there won’t kill you, it may exacerbate your symptoms. A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice revealed that alcohol consumption could irritate your lungs, magnify rhinitis symptoms, and sinus problems, including nasal polyps.
Probiotics– Taking probiotic supplements and eating probiotic-rich foods is a great way to keep your immune system healthy and robust. According to research, probiotics can also help with your sinuses. A study published in Science Translation Medicine revealed that a person’s microbiome could impact their sinus health. Giving you more reason to boost the probiotics in your system.
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