If you have nasal polyps, you likely deal with a range of symptoms, including nasal congestion, loss of smell and taste, and facial pain and pressure. To treat those symptoms, your doctor may have prescribed steroid nasal sprays or biologics. They may have even recommended surgery to remove the polyps.
Keep reading to learn about five lifestyle changes that may help manage your nasal polyps.
1. Use Saline Rinses
Also called nasal irrigation, saline rinses, which involve flushing saline solution through your nasal passages, are widely recommended by ear, nose, and throat doctors if you have nasal polyps.
“Saline rinses flush the gunk out of your nose,” says William Yao, MD, associate professor in the department of otorhinolaryngology at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. This “gunk” can include irritants like allergens (such as pollen) and other debris from the environment. Its presence in your nose can lead to inflammation in the nasal passages.
There are several different types of saline rinses available over the counter, including squeeze bottles that spray a saline solution up into the nose. You can also use a neti pot that has a spout that pours the solution into the nose. (Always use distilled or sterile water.)
Although saline rinses won’t reduce the size of polyps, they can be particularly helpful in symptom management after polyp removal, adds Jesse Ryan, MD, associate professor of otolaryngology and communication sciences at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, New York. He recommends using saline rinses daily, which can be done in the shower or over the sink — whatever you find easiest and most convenient.
2. Reduce Environmental Allergens
Allergies, such as to pollen, pets, or dust mites, are one risk factor for the development of nasal polyps. To maintain a healthy nose and sinuses, it’s a good idea to avoid nasal irritants and allergens, says Dr. Ryan.
3. Avoid Foods and Drinks That Can Trigger Nasal Inflammation
Having an allergy to yeast or mold can trigger an inflammatory response when you come in contact with them via food, says Yao. “It causes swelling, and a lot of people will notice congestion,” he says. Beer and blue cheese can be particularly inflammatory, he says.
One small study found that drinking alcohol, in general, was associated with more nasal obstructions, especially for those who have allergic rhinitis (allergies that cause swelling inside the nose).
4. Use a Humidifier
5. Practice Overall Healthy Habits
Because nasal polyps are linked to inflammation, it’s important to do what you can to avoid inflammatory triggers, says Yao.
For example, while there isn’t a specific diet that will treat nasal polyps or other conditions, there is growing evidence that dietary habits may impact respiratory and sinus health in both positive and negative ways.
The Takeaway
- Medication and surgery are two of the primary treatments for nasal polyps, but lifestyle habits can also help manage or improve your symptoms.
- Using saline rinses, avoiding foods and drinks that trigger symptoms, and living an overall healthy lifestyle may be helpful in managing nasal polyps.
- Healthy habits, such as eating an anti-inflammatory diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep, can also help you better manage nasal polyp symptoms — and improve your overall health as well.