Can nasal polyps be treated without surgery?

Question

Hello doctor,

My husband has been dealing with constant nasal pain, and his snoring has gotten so loud that I can not sleep anymore. He saw an ENT specialist who found nasal polyps in both nostrils. The doctor mentioned surgery as an option, but we are wondering if there are other treatments we can try first.

Is surgery really necessary for polyps, or are there medications that might shrink them?
How risky is the surgery, and what is the recovery time like?

We are hoping to avoid surgery if possible, but we need to resolve this problem soon.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

As per your concern, your husband can try using a corticosteroid nasal spray for two months, along with a short course of oral corticosteroids for about seven days and antibiotics. If his symptoms do not improve, the definitive treatment is functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

The decision for surgery also depends on how far the nasal polyps have extended, which can be evaluated through a computed tomography (CT) scan of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

Endoscopic sinus surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists in hospitals. It generally carries a low risk of complications, with major complications occurring in about 0.5 percent of cases. Most patients can return to work within seven days after surgery and usually heal completely in about four weeks.

For now, treatment includes using a nasal spray such as Fluticasone two puffs twice daily for one month, along with a course of the antibiotic Clavam 625 (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid) milligrams taken orally three times a day for seven days. Pain and inflammation can be managed with a combination of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol, one tablet taken orally three times a day for three days, and then as needed. Additionally, your husband can take an anti-allergy tablet containing Levocetirizine 5 mg and Montelukast 10 mg, at night for two weeks.

Supportive care includes daily nasal rinsing with a neti pot (a small container designed to rinse debris or mucus from your nasal cavity), warm steam inhalation at home, and avoiding exposure to cold air and dust. If his symptoms still do not improve, surgery remains the best option.

I hope this helps your husband feel better soon.

Take care.

Thank you.