Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop on the lining tissues in your nasal passages. They are soft, teardrop-shaped, and quite common in people. They are mostly associated with allergies, drug sensitivity, and other similar issues. Small nasal polyps are not very harmful, but as they grow, you can face breathing issues, infections, and lose your sense of smell. Here are some important things to know about nasal polyps.

Symptoms
Several signs, such as a runny nose, postnasal drip, and stuffy nose, indicate that you have developed nasal polyps. You may also experience pain in your upper teeth or the entire face, nosebleeds, a lack of sense of taste or smell, infections, or itching around the eyes. You might even start snoring, breathing through your mouth, and have congestion in your nose.

Causes

Nasal polyps grow in the mucous membrane of your sinuses. This condition is most common in young and middle-aged adults. Young kids are rarely susceptible to it. However, the causes for nasal polyps are still unclear, but some triggers that are common amongst nasal polyps patients have been found.

Patients suffering from asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), or chronic or recurring sinus infections can commonly develop nasal polyps. Similarly, people who are sensitive to aspirin, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also susceptible to nasal polyps. Churg-Strauss syndrome and cystic fibrosis are two other health conditions that can lead to developing nasal polyps.

Treatment methods
Taking prescribed medication is the primary way to take care of nasal polyps. If there are no improvements or the growth worsens, you will have to opt for surgery. Read on to know more about these two treatment options.

• Medication

Doctors prescribe medication like a nasal corticosteroid spray that reduces the inflammation or completely removes the polyps. Many patients take corticosteroids like prednisone orally if the spray does not work. However, oral medications cause serious side-effects like an increase in blood pressure and fluid retention.

• Surgery

In case you have asthma, nasal polyps, and are allergic to aspirin, surgery might not be the best option. However, in other cases, if the polyps have become too large, surgery is an ideal solution. The doctor can use a small nasal telescope and remove the polyps.

Natural remedies
Although there are no known causes for nasal polyps, there are a few natural remedies that will help reduce the risk of developing them. These include the following.

• Avoid allergens and natural irritants

Try to avoid chemical fumes, allergens like dust and debris, and tobacco smoke. These cause irritation or swelling in the nose.

• Follow a hygienic lifestyle
  You need to keep yourself clean and make sure to wash your hands regularly. This will reduce chances of getting infected by any virus or bacteria.

Diet
Introducing products like cayenne pepper, turmeric, chamomile, eucalyptus, ginger, and peppermint in your daily diet can reduce your chances of developing nasal polyps. These aid in allergies and reduce the inflammation of the polyps. They can easily be a part of your meal and can be consumed regularly. Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and beta-carotene. Always make sure to consume enough water.

Foods to avoid
Food allergies are one of the underlying reasons for the development of nasal polyps. So, it is advisable to exclude food items you are allergic to from your diet. Some food preservatives and additives, such as sulfites, glutamate, monosodium, tartrazine, and benzoates, can also act as allergens, and thus, you must refrain from consuming them.