For some people, nasal polyps in the nose or sinuses are small and painless, but for others, the growths may be large enough to cause more serious symptoms — not just congestion and a runny nose but perhaps chronic sinusitis or even sleep apnea. Certain daily habits as well as your environment can sometimes worsen the inflammation or discomfort from nasal polyps.
But the flip side is also true: By making a few small changes to your routine, it’s possible to ease the symptoms of nasal polyps, says Tran Bao Locke, MD, an otolaryngologist and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Here are a few things to start doing differently if you have nasal polyps.
1. Don’t Blow Your Nose So Hard
Why: You may want to give a big blow into a tissue whenever your nose feels irritated or stuffed up. But doing so can actually displace the growth or cause more swelling. That’s because “forceful nose blowing, especially if you have polyps, can damage the delicate lining of your nose and cause nosebleeds,” says Dr. Locke.
What to do instead: Take a softer approach whenever you try to unclog your sinuses. Instead of reaching for a tissue, try using a rinse bottle with a saline solution or a neti pot with distilled water first, says Locke. “Both are gentle and effective ways to flush out mucus, allergens, and irritants from your nose,” she says.
Another benefit to flushing out the nasal passages: “Saline irrigation can enhance the function of nasal cilia, those microscopic hairs that are responsible for moving mucus and trapped particles out of the nasal passages,” says John James, MD, an allergist and spokesperson for the AAFA.
2. Don’t Settle for Chronic Stuffiness
Why: While it may be easy to write off a stuffy nose as no big deal, deciding to ignore that constantly clogged feeling can exacerbate the condition, leading to difficulty breathing and causing a possible injury to the bone and tissues.
What to do instead: Speak with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and follow through with any recommended treatment for nasal polyps. “While most polyps are caused by inflammation, some may indicate a more serious underlying condition,” says Locke. Some conditions linked to nasal polyps include asthma, allergies, sensitivities to certain medications such as aspirin, andcystic fibrosis.
3. Don’t Pick, Probe, or Remove a Polyp Yourself
Why: It may be tempting to poke around your nose when there’s something inside it that’s bothering you. But this can damage the nasal cavity even further, causing bleeding and infection.
What to do instead: Enlist professional help. In many cases, polyps can be reduced with medication or, if necessary, removed with surgery. “Nasal polyps can be surgically removed by an ear, nose, and throat surgeon who is specially trained to safely do this without causing harm,” says Locke.
4. Don’t Eat Foods That Cause Inflammation
Why: Consuming foods like refined sugar and alcohol may lead to inflammation, which can worsen your nasal polyps. In fact, “highly processed foods, particularly ultra-processed foods, have been associated with low-grade inflammation,” says Dr. James.
What to do instead: Locke urges her patients to eat a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. Eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains can help boost the gut microbiome, says James. You can also “consider using probiotics and prebiotics, which support a healthy gut,” he says.
5. Don’t Expose Yourself to Smoke, Dust, or Allergens
Why: Allergens and other irritants in the air — everything from pet dander to the dust mites living in carpets and bedding — can aggravate the nasal cavities, leading to nasal and sinus inflammation.
What to do instead: Try to stick to a regular cleaning schedule; doing so can help reduce exposure to dust mites and other allergens, says James. He recommends using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, encasing bedding in allergen-impermeable covers, and vacuuming once a week.
“Keep pets out of the bedroom, work to reduce humidity in the home to prevent mold and dust mite growth, and close windows during peak pollen seasons,” he adds. You can also alleviate symptoms by steering clear of irritants like tobacco smoke and strong odors, such as those from cleaning agents or perfumes, he says.
6. Use Caution When Trying Herbal Remedies
Why: An herbal tea that your friend brewed or a poultice that you mixed might ease stuffiness or facial pressure, but these concoctions may contain ingredients that may be more harmful than helpful. While some research has shown that certain herbal medicines may be helpful in improving chronic sinus infections with polyps, it’s important to remember that herbal solutions aren’t considered medicine, which means they aren’t tested as rigorously, officially regulated, or approved before they are sold to the public.
What to do instead: Always consult your physician before taking anything to treat your nasal polyps. “Even some over-the-counter pain medications that may ease sinus pressure should be used with caution because of their side effects,” Locke says.
The Takeaway
- Nasal polyps can cause congestion, but some habits — such as blowing your nose forcefully or trying to remove nasal polyps yourself — can make these growths much more troublesome.
- To help alleviate the symptoms of nasal polyps, try including more anti-inflammatory foods in your diet.
- Follow your treatment plan and keep your doctor in the loop before trying DIY nasal polyp treatments at home.
