symptoms, such as loss of smell.
Unlike nasal sprays, oral steroids have some side effects so they are only for temporary use.
Antibiotics
If you are taking steroids and experience infections with your nasal polyps, your doctor may also prescribe you an oral antibiotic medication.
You should be cautious of these because while they may treat your infection, they don’t shrink nasal polyps and can cause antibiotic resistance.
Asthma and allergy medications
If you have adult-onset asthma, you are more likely to have nasal polyps, as well as environmental allergies.
The same medications you may be taking to treat your asthma and allergies may also help treat nasal polyps.
- Fluticasone (Flonase) spray is an over-the-counter corticosteroid nasal spray used to treat allergies that can help treat nasal polyps by reducing inflammation.
- Nasal fluticasone is a great treatment option for nasal polyps because it can reach higher in the nasal cavity.
- The leukotriene antagonist montelukast (Singulair) is an oral medication prescribed for allergies and asthma that has been found to help with nasal polyp symptoms in some people.
- Dupilumab (Dupixient) is a biologic medication. It was first used to treat eczema and moderate to severe asthma, but has since been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat CRwNP.
- Omalizumab (Xolair) is another biologic medication previously used for allergic asthma that has also been recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of CRwNP. If you don’t get better after treatment with steroid nasal sprays, this may be a good option.
Ultimately, the treatment option that is best for you will be a combination of your own personal preference as well as the size and location of your nasal polyps. If you are struggling with ongoing congestion, post-nasal drip, or loss of smell from nasal polyps, call your doctor. He or she can help you determine what your best options are.