This article was co-authored by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Nasal polyps are small, soft growths in your nasal passages that can sometimes make it difficult to breathe through your nose. Common symptoms of nasal polyps include a feeling of fullness in your facial sinuses, postnasal drip, a reduced sense of smell, and a sensation of blockage in your nose, which may be bad enough that you have to breathe through your mouth. While they can’t always be prevented, there are some things you can do to try and reduce the risk of nasal polyps developing. Treat colds and sinus infections right away, practice good hygiene, and avoid things that irritate your nose. If you do notice a new growth that you suspect is a polyp, visit your doctor. They’ll be able to determine the cause and prescribe the best treatment for you.
Steps
Combatting the Causes of Nasal Polyps
Determine the root of your polyps so you can address the main issue. Nasal polyps can be caused by several different factors. If you know the culprit, you can better prepare your body to keep polyps at bay. Here are some of the more common causes of nasal polyps:[1]- Allergies
- Asthma
- Aspirin sensitivity, which often occurs together with asthma and nasal polyps in a condition known as Samter’s Triad[2]
- Chronic sinus infections
- Cystic fibrosis
- Genetics
- Rhinosinusitis
Warning: If you think you have nasal polyps, visit your doctor before trying to treat them on your own. All growths should always be checked by a professional to determine their cause.
Treat sinus infections immediately to reduce the risk of polyps. Sinus infections lead to inflamed and swollen nasal passages, which in time can cause polyps to grow. Increased mucus, congestion, and a “full” feeling in your head are all signs that you may be heading toward a sinus infection. Visit your doctor as soon as possible when you notice these signs.[3]- If you’re prescribed an antibiotic, take the entire course of medication to prevent the infection from coming back. Most doctors won’t prescribe an antibiotic unless you experience sinus symptoms with thick green or brown nasal discharge, typically lasting for 10 days or longer.
- Feelings of sinus pressure or fullness aren’t always caused by bacterial infections. These symptoms can also be caused by conditions such as viral illnesses or allergies. Don’t take antibiotics for sinus symptoms unless your doctor prescribes them.
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Take prescribed medications for asthma and allergies. If you’ve been diagnosed with either of these conditions, follow the treatment plan laid out by your doctor. Both asthma and allergies can block up your nasal passages and increase the risk of polyps.[4]- If you often forget to take your medication, set a daily reminder or an alarm on your phone.
Use a humidifier at home to protect your nasal passages from inflammation. When your nasal passages get dry, they are more prone to congestion, irritation, and infection. Run a humidifier in your bedroom at night. If you work in an office-type setting, consider using a humidifier while you’re at work, too.[5]- Make sure you use a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air, and not a dehumidifier, which removes moisture.
Tip: If you don’t have a humidifier, try steam inhalation. Heat water on the stove or in the microwave and carefully pour it into a glass bowl. Bend over the bowl, cover your head and the bowl with a towel, and take in deep breaths of the steam coming off of the water. Do this for 5-10 minutes every night.
Remove irritants from your nasal passages with a spray or rinse. If you feel congested, using a rinse to get rid of irritants can help prevent polyps. Use the spray or rinse 2-3 times a day so you don’t irritate your nose too much.[6]- You could also use this method after cleaning or spending time outdoors to rinse away any dust or pollen from your nasal passages.
- If you make your own saline rinse, use filtered or boiled water.
Avoid strong airborne irritants, like smoke, dust, perfume, and cologne. Anything that bothers your nasal passages or makes you feel stuffy can make polyps more likely. If you smoke or live with someone who does, have a conversation about eliminating that risk. Wear a face mask when you clean so you don’t inhale too much dust.[7]- Even strongly scented cleaning products or air fresheners can cause irritation. Pay attention to the things that bother your nose and try to eliminate them from your home and work when possible.
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Boosting Your Immune System
Wash your hands often to reduce the chance of a polyp-causing infection. Colds and infections are often caught from germs picked up from other people. Wash your hands after you use the restroom, before you eat, and after being out in public spaces.[8]- If you’re on the go, bring a pack of hand-sanitizing wipes or a small container of hand sanitizer with you.
Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night to keep your body well-rested. When you don’t get enough sleep, your immune system is compromised and you’re more susceptible to infections. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day to make good sleep a habit.[9]- Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
- Teenagers need 8-11 hours of sleep every night.
- Children need 10-13 hours of sleep every night.
Eat whole foods that contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. A big part of preventing polyps is staving off colds and infections, and these specific vitamins help your immune system operate at its best. While you can take supplements if you need to, it's best to get them through your diet when possible.[10]- Eat oranges, grapefruits, bell peppers, broccoli, kiwi, and cauliflower to get vitamin C.
- Eat chicken, salmon, pork, eggs, and chickpeas to get vitamin B6.
- Eat seeds, nuts, spinach, and avocado to get vitamin E.
Drink 8–15 cups (1.9–3.5 L) of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy. Dehydration lowers your immune system and can play a role in getting sick. Try starting your day with a big glass of water and track your intake throughout the rest of the day to make sure you’re getting a minimum of 8 glasses.[11]- If you exercise, you’ll want to drink an extra 1–2 cups (0.24–0.47 L) of water to help replenish your fluids.
Signs of Dehydration: Thirst, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, fatigue, and a dark color when you urinate. If you notice these signs, take a moment to drink a glass of water.
Exercise for 30 minutes a day 5-6 days a week. When you move your body, your immune system improves, which in turn helps you fight off polyp-causing infections. Find an activity you enjoy and incorporate it into your routine. Even walking for 30 minutes a day is enough to help fight off colds.[12]- Exercise can also help improve your mental health, which is another component of a healthy immune system.
Manage your stress to live a healthier life. Excessive, long-term stress can lower your immune system, making it more likely that you could catch a cold, get a sinus infection, and grow nasal polyps. Take time to rest, reflect, and do things you enjoy. Identify the stressors in your life so you can find ways to combat them.[13]- If you find you’re struggling with chronic stress that is negatively affecting your day-to-day life, consider talking with a mental health professional.
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Expert Q&A
Tips
- Sometimes nasal polyps can’t be prevented. If they develop, have them treated by your doctor.Thanks
Warnings
- If you think you have nasal polyps, visit your doctor. Any new type of growth should always be checked by a professional.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/n/nasal-polyps.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5951071/
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/nasal-polyps#
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15250-nasal-polyps/prevention
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20351888
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15250-nasal-polyps/prevention
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20351888
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15250-nasal-polyps/prevention
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-sleep-affects-your-immunity
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-vitamins-best-boosting-immunity/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-vitamins-best-boosting-immunity/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/stress-and-your-immune-systems-response
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