Updated: 10/30/23
Do you suffer from nasal polyps? We understand. It’s difficult to find the appropriate treatment, let alone relief, when living with the uncomfortable symptoms associated with this issue. Fortunately, we have supplements on offer that help alleviate the pain and discomfort of these growths. Our specific blend is to target areas directly related to nasal polyps while providing natural remedies for a more positive outcome quickly and painlessly! Dive into our post today learn more about how our supplement can give you lasting relief from your dreaded nasal polyps.
What are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. They often have a teardrop shape and vary in size. While small polyps may not cause any noticeable symptoms, larger polyps may lead to complications such as blocked nasal passages, infections, and breathing difficulties. Nasal polyps can occur in anyone, but they are more common in adults over age 40, individuals with allergies, asthma, or sinus infections, and those with certain genetic factors, such as cystic fibrosis.
It’s are a common condition that affects many people, yet the term and condition may not be apparent to the general public. This often results in a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Understanding nasal polyps is important, especially if you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent stuffiness, runny nose, facial pain, and trouble breathing. While the exact cause of nasal polyps is a mystery, medical experts believe that inflammation and swelling may contribute to its development.
If you are suffering from nasal polyps, it is helpful to know you are not alone. They affect men more than women, and affect an estimated 4 to 40 percent of the population. They can develop at any age, but are most common for young and older adults. The strangest symptom related to nasal polyps is sleep apnea, as if they aren’t hard enough to live with already. The pain and irritation that comes with nasal polyps can alleviate with several natural remedies such as cayenne, chamomile and turmeric, to name a few. However it is common to have nasal surgery for permanent relief.
Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
Persistent Congestion and Stuffy Nose
If you feel like your nose is constantly obstructed, even when you don’t have a cold, this may be a sign of nasal polyps. Due to the growing polyps blocking the airways, you may find it harder to breathe freely or smell things properly. Don’t mistake this for seasonal allergies or a deviated septum, as these symptoms often persist for prolonged periods of time in nasal polyps cases.
Breathing Difficulties
One of the most common symptoms of nasal polyps is difficulty breathing through the nose. If you’re having trouble breathing with your mouth closed, it’s a sign that the growths might be blocking your nasal passages. This condition can lead to sleep apnea, snoring, or even a decreased sense of smell. Having limited airflow can also lead to fatigue as it takes more effort to breathe.
Facial Pain, Pressure, or Headaches
Nasal polyps can cause discomfort in the surrounding facial areas, especially around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. This can result in a dull pain or pressure sensation, and may trigger frequent headaches. These headaches are often a result of the blocked airways causing pressure changes in the sinuses, leading to inflammation and head pain.
Sinus Pressure
Sinus pressure or discomfort is another common symptom of nasal polyps. If you have chronic sinusitis, you might experience pain in your forehead, between your eyes, or in your cheeks. The pressure can cause headaches, dizziness, and sometimes even vision problems.
Postnasal Drip and Sore Throat
As nasal polyps increase in size, they might produce excessive mucus, which may lead to postnasal drip. This symptom also causes throat irritation and soreness. It’s essential to get medical treatment for this symptom, as it may damage your throat over time.
Reduced Sense of Smell and Taste
Since nasal polyps can obstruct the nasal passages, this often leads to a compromised sense of taste and smell. This is because the sense of smell is largely reliant on proper airflow in the nasal cavity. You may notice that you can’t taste food as well or smell fragrances as effectively as before. Left untreated, this can also lead to a loss of taste and smell altogether.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Nasal polyps can also impact your breathing while you sleep, leading to snoring, disrupted sleep, or even sleep apnea. This can have serious consequences on your overall health, leading to day time fatigue and a reduced quality of life. By treating the underlying condition early, you can prevent it from escalating to sleep-disordered breathing issues.
Asthma-like Symptoms
It’s not uncommon for nasal polyps to cause asthma-like symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing. This is because the polyps can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, especially in combination with nasal issues, be sure to visit a doctor to rule out the possibility of nasal polyps.
Causes of Nasal Polyps
As if living with these growths could be any more challenging, there is in fact no known cause. They are commonly linked to non-allergic asthma, but several cases have no links to asthma whatsoever. Since there is no known cause of nasal polyps there is less to be studied, but researchers agree that they are a result of swelling and not a disease.
Chronic Inflammation
One of the main causes of nasal polyps is chronic inflammation in your nasal passages and sinuses, which cause the tissue to swell. As inflammation persists, it causes nasal glands to produce increased mucus, further narrowing the nasal cavity and potentially leading to the formation of polyps. Chronic inflammation can be the result of many factors such as allergies, recurring infections, asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis.
Genetic Predisposition
Research has indicated that having a family history of nasal polyps increases your likelihood of developing the condition. A genetic predisposition may exist, but the exact genes or DNA factors that bring about the formation of nasal polyps is still yet to have a pinpoint.
Immune Disorders
People who have underlying immune disorders are more prone to develop nasal polyps. These conditions include, but are not limited to, sarcoidosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Kartagener syndrome, and Young’s syndrome. Medical treatments for these disorders may help alleviate nasal polyp symptoms as well.
Environmental Factors
Air pollution, dust, and other allergens may increase the chances of developing nasal polyps. Exposure to fumes from industrial chemicals, tobacco smoke, and heavy metals may also increase the risk. Smokers are also at high risk of developing nasal polyps due to frequent irritation of the nasal passages from the smoke.
Other Risk Factors
People over the age of 40 are also at a higher risk of developing nasal polyps. Additionally, people with Samter’s triad (nasal polyps, asthma, and aspirin sensitivity) may also be more prone to developing nasal polyps.
Will Nasal Polyps Go Away?
Nasal polyps can disappear on their own, but it’s rare. Most people with nasal polyps require some form of treatment to manage their symptoms and prevent their recurrence. The treatment options for nasal polyps vary, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the size of the polyps. Some people with mild symptoms may benefit from medications such as nasal steroids and antibiotics. For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the polyps.
Can Nasal Polyps be Cancerous?
Nasal polyps are typically benign tumors, which means they don’t spread to other parts of the body and can be treated and cured relatively easily. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are cancerous and have the ability to invade nearby tissues or travel to other parts of the body, causing serious health problems. The most common malignant tumors affecting the nasal and sinus passages are squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas, which form in the cells that line the passages.
In rare cases, nasal polyps can become cancerous. The chances of this happening are very low, but it’s always important to be aware of the signs of cancer in nasal polyps and what to do if you suspect that your polyps may be cancerous. Signs to look out for include persistent symptoms such as nasal obstruction, bleeding, pain, and loss of smell, as well as ulceration, erosion, or tissue necrosis in the affected area. If you notice any unusual symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.
Treatment for Nasal Polyps
There are several treatments for nasal polyps, including:
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe nasal corticosteroids to shrink the size of the polyps, reduce inflammation, and allow for nasal airflow. In some cases, an antifungal medication may also be prescribed.
Surgery
In severe cases where medication isn’t effective, surgery may be required. Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure where a small endoscope with a light and camera is inserted into the nostril. The camera allows the doctor to visualize the nasal cavity better, while the small surgical instruments can remove the polyps.
Natural Remedies
Although modern medicine is an effective way to manage nasal polyps, some natural remedies, such as probiotics, acupuncture, and drinking plenty of fluids, can help reduce inflammation, fight infections, and promote faster healing.
Can Nasal Polyps be Removed Without Surgery?
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inflating a small balloon inside the sinus to widen the opening and allow better drainage. It’s a relatively new procedure, but it has shown to have a good success rate for nasal polyps. However, it’s important to note that not everyone is a candidate for this procedure.
Salt water irrigation is a natural and easy way to keep the nasal passages clean and free of irritating allergens. Saline solution, which is simply a mixture of salt and water, can help manage the symptoms of nasal polyps by reducing inflammation and washing away mucus. A neti pot or squeeze bottle can flush out congestion and buildup.
Supplements for Nasal Polyps
Quercetin
This plant-based nutrient found in onions, berries, and citrus fruits has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce nasal polyp size and prevent irritation. Quercetin works by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that trigger inflammation, thus reducing the swelling and inflammation. You can find quercetin supplements in health food stores or online here at Bulksupplements.com. The daily dose is typically 500 milligrams, twice a day with meals. However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking blood-thinning medications, talk to your doctor first before taking quercetin.
Vitamin D
Did you know that low levels of vitamin D can lead to chronic inflammation, which can exacerbate nasal polyp symptoms? Vitamin D is a hormone naturally in your skin when you experience exposure to sunlight. However, many people do not get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone, especially if they live in northern climates or have darker skin. Vitamin D supplements can help optimize your levels and lower inflammation. Aim for a daily dose of 2000 to 5000 international units (IU), depending on your age and weight. Be sure to take vitamin D with a meal that includes healthy fats, such as avocado or salmon, to enhance absorption.
Probiotics
Gut health and immune function are share a connection. Studies have shown that people with nasal polyps have imbalanced gut microbiomes that lack diversity and beneficial bacteria. Supplementing with probiotics can help improve gut health, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. Look for probiotics that contain various strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Aim for at least 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day, and take them with food to maximize their effectiveness.
N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC)
This compound is from the amino acid cysteine and is a potent antioxidant and mucolytic agent. NAC has been shown to dissolve mucus and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, making it an excellent supplement for nasal polyps. Several clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of NAC supplements in shrinking polyp size and improving symptoms. The standard dose is 600 milligrams, twice a day with meals. However, NAC can interfere with some medications, such as nitroglycerin, and can cause side effects like nausea and vomiting. Speak to your doctor before taking NAC.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s are essential fats found in cold-water fish, flaxseed, and chia seeds. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower the production of leukotrienes, inflammatory molecules that can cause them to occur. Omega-3 supplements can also help improve lung function and promote heart health. Aim for at least 1000 milligrams of combined EPA and DHA per day, taken with food to enhance absorption. However, be aware that omega-3 supplements can interact with blood-thinning medications like aspirin and can cause side effects such as diarrhea and fishy aftertaste.
Magnesium
An essential mineral, magnesium, has been found to be linked with helping reduce inflammation of the nasal tissues, nose and sinuses. This often reduces swelling and prevents polyps from forming. Magnesium-rich foods include spinach, almonds, dark chocolate, legumes, and whole grains. Adding a magnesium supplement to your diet can be beneficial.
Cayenne
Most people that battle constant sinus issues know that any kind of pepper is a lifesaver, but cayenne pepper specifically contains capsaicin. Capsaicin specifically can open up nasal passages, relieve inflammation and increase immunity. The recommended dose of cayenne extract for adults is 30 to 120 mg per day.
Chamomile
Chamomile is known as the calming remedy for more conditions/diseases than one. For centuries, chamomile has commonly been for sinuses and allergies, specifically to relieve inflammation. Drinking chamomile tea is a delicious and preferred way to remedy them. You may drink up to four cups of chamomile tea. The exact dosage of chamomile extract powder however is 220 to 1,600 mg per day for adults.
Butterbur
Most people have never heard of the unique butterbur plant. This plant is a part of the Petasites or sunflower family. They are perennial plants, with thick-rhubarb like leaves and have been commonly used for allergy-related problems including allergies, sinuses, headaches, and migraines. Since butterbur extract powder is such a unique plant, only take as suggested — 50 to 100 mg taken twice daily by mouth.
Turmeric
Since polyps are caused first and foremost by inflammation, the more ways you can reduce inflammation, the better. Turmeric is an ancient yellow healing and culinary delicasse used for its anti-inflammatory benefits. This includes reducing the inflammation of airways, although turmeric extract does not permanently cure nasal polyps. The recommended dosage is 500 to 2,000 mg per day.
Garlic
If you’re not a garlic lover already, if you have it, you will be. Garlic is yet another natural remedy praised for its antimicrobial benefits, immunity booster and for reducing inflammation. There are endless ways to intake your daily dose of garlic, but if you never thought you could have too much garlic, think again. The recommended amount of raw garlic extract powder is 2 to 5 grams per day and 300 to 1,000 of non-fresh or other forms.
Ginger
Ginger is surprisingly similar to garlic. It offers the same antimicrobial, immunity, soothing, and anti-inflammatory benefits, with a different taste. The anti-inflammatory characteristic is especially helpful for nasal polyps. Hot ginger tea is commonly preferred, but can also be used as a spice. The recommended dose of ginger root extract powder is 170 mg to 1 g, 3 to 4 times daily. Keep in mind ginger can have several harmful interactions with other medications, so always consult your doctor first before taking.
The Bottom Line
Nasal polyps is no doubt the world’s worst stuffy nose. Stuffy, congested, runny, however you describe it, individuals with nasal polyps experience discomfort and even a lack of taste and smell. Most of us don’t realize how important our nose really is, until we can’t use it properly anymore. If you suffer from this rare condition, since there is no known cause and no way to prevent it, the best you can do is relieve it. At least you don’t have to take endless prescriptions with risky side effects.
Although the chances of developing it are high, it doesn’t always mean that you will develop them. By recognizing the potential causes, you can take steps to monitor your symptoms more closely and seek appropriate medical treatment. If you suspect that you may have nasal polyps, speak to your doctor. They will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment for your specific case.
Nasal polyps can be very uncomfortable and frustrating to deal with, but now you don’t have to worry about surgery. Incorporating supplements into your daily routine may be the solution to reduce nasal polyps, regulate the immune system and decrease inflammation. Just keep in mind that while supplements are safe, it’s always wise to speak to your health practitioner before taking anything. By working with your Doctor and trying out the recommended supplements, you can be sure that you’re taking action to win the battle against nasal polyps.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease