A nasal polyp is the growth of a non-tumorous sac-like tissue inside the nasal cavity and the sinuses. Though not dangerous, these can lead to allergy-like symptoms and discomfort all through the year. Know about the different types of nasal polyps and their treatment methods here.

Types of nasal polyps

1. Ethmoidal polyps
This type of polyp is the one most commonly found in adults. Here, the growth occurs from the ethmoidal sinuses between the eyes and the nose. More than 90% of all the polyps diagnosed belong to this type.

2. Antrochoanal polyps
This is a relatively rare type of nasal polyp, and only 4-6% of individuals develop this. Here, the growth happens in the maxillary sinuses, present below the cheek and nose and above the teeth. This type mostly affects younger children.

Treatment options for nasal polyps

1. Medications
The first stage of treatment for nasal polyps is medications. This condition is usually treated using nasal steroids or oral steroids.

2. Nasal steroids
These medications work in reducing inflammation and bringing down the size of the polyp. Once the size reduces, the intensity of the symptoms gradually reduces. Nasal steroids are very effective, especially in reducing the symptoms of conditions like nasal drip, runny nose, and congestion.

3. Oral steroid pills
If, in some cases, the nasal steroids don’t work, then doctors may prescribe oral steroid pills. These work the same way but cannot be a long-term solution as steroids cause other side effects in the body.

4. Surgery
If medications don’t help bring down the size of the polyps, if the polyp is too big to be treated non-invasively, or if the person has certain health conditions that prevent the use of steroids, then surgery is the other available treatment option for nasal polyps. There are two types of surgeries performed.

• Polypectomy
  Here, a small suction device is inserted into the nasal cavity, and the excess tissue is cut and removed using a tiny blade. This is an outpatient procedure and is relatively painless.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery
  If the polyp is too big to be removed by polypectomy, endoscopic sinus surgery may be needed. Here, a tiny camera along with the cutting instruments is inserted into the nose with the help of an endoscope. The camera shows the exact location and size of the polyp, and then it is removed surgically. This is also an outpatient procedure but can be slightly trickier than polypectomy.

If you find yourself going through constant bouts of allergy-like symptoms and pain in the nasal cavity or sinuses, then talk to your doctor and find out if nasal polyps could be the problem. If so, the above medications will help.