A nasal polyp is a growth or swelling of the paranasal sinuses within the nasal cavity. It is a soft, painless, non-cancerous growth on your nasal passages or sinus lining. Nasal polyps generally occur due to long-standing inflammation of the nasal lining and the sinuses surrounding the nasal cavity (paranasal sinuses). Smaller polyps don’t create any problems, but larger nasal polyps can cause breathing difficulty, sneezing problems, loss of sense of smell, and a dampening of taste.
Role of homeopathy in nasal polyp
The primary goal of the treatment of nasal polyp is to reduce the size of the polyp and relieve the symptoms of blockage. Homeopathic treatment provides symptomatic relief by addressing the root cause. It provides a holistic approach to treating the disease.
Six effective homeopathic medicines for nasal polyp
Lemna minor
Common name: Duckweed
Lemna minor is indicated for people who experience a loss of smell. The nasal polyps worsen during the rainy season. During rainy weather, there is a thick white discharge from the nose that has a foul odor. There is obstruction of the nose and loss of smell from nasal polyps. A rancid smell in the nose may also be present.
Phosphorus
Common name: The element phosphorus
Phosphorus is effective in nasal polyps that bleed. The polyp may bleed regularly and block the nostrils causing difficulty in breathing. There is a coryza with a dull headache and sneezing, which worsens with strong odors. The sensation of a blocked nose is present early in the morning.
Calcarea carbonica
Common name: Carbonate of Lime
Calcarea carbonica is indicated for left-sided nasal polyps. This causes a blocked nose on the left side. There is a fetid and fishy smell with a loss of smell and yellow nasal discharge. Dryness in the nose may be felt in the morning. Sneezing is observed in the morning. The patient catches a cold easily with the slightest change in weather. There is profuse sweat on the head. The sweating is present even at night and the pillow gets completely soaked in sweat. The symptoms are worse in wet weather.
Teucrium marum varum
Common name: Cat-thyme
Teucrium is indicated for nasal polyps with obstruction of the nose. The side on which the person lies down feels blocked. There is a sensation of something crawling in the nostrils. Sneezing and watery discharge from the eyes are also frequently present. There is a chronic cold and large mucus plugs ooze out of the nose. Loss of smell is also noted.
Sanguinaria canadensis
Common name: Bloodroot
Sanguinaria helps reduce the size of a right-sided nasal polyp. There is a blockage of the right nostril and profuse amounts of nasal discharge. The patient frequently sneezes and has a swollen nasal membrane. There is a watery nasal discharge of a burning nature and there is pressure on the root of the nose. The patient feels a plugged sensation in the nostrils and the turbinates are enlarged. There is a yellow-bloody mucus discharge from the nose.
Allium cepa
Common name: Red onion
Allium cepa is indicated for nasal polyps with constant sneezing. There is watery discharge from the nose, which causes burning above the lips. Fluent coryza may also persist along with headaches. There are lumps at the root of the nose and the nose feels blocked. There is corrosion on the upper lips due to the acrid nasal discharge.
Causative factors of nasal polyps
Any condition that triggers chronic inflammation of nasal passages and sinuses, such as infections or allergies, may increase the risk of developing a nasal polyp. Conditions often associated with nasal polyp include asthma, aspirin sensitivity, allergic fungal sinusitis, and cystic fibrosis.
Signs and symptoms of nasal polyps
- Nasal discharge
- Persistent stuffiness
- Postnasal drip
- Decreased or absent sense of smell
- Loss of sense of taste
- Facial pain
- Constant and acute headache
- Upper tooth pain may be present
- Pressure over the forehead
- Snoring at night
- Continuous sneezing
Treatment of nasal polyp
Nasal polyps that are small in size and do not present with symptoms are left under observation. In case of severity of symptoms and increase in size and number, medical management may be advised. This includes oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, and decongestants. In some cases, surgical removal of the polyps may be recommended.
Diet and lifestyle modifications for nasal polyp
Humidifier
Using a humidifier can help reduce nasal congestion. The humidifier keeps the nasal passage moist by vaporizing water and improves the flow of normal nasal mucus.
Maintain hygiene
Wash your hands regularly to avoid bacterial and viral infections that can cause nasal passage inflammation.
Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises help relieve the symptoms of nasal polyps.
Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation relieves the congestion in the nose and also clears the nasal passage.
Avoid nasal irritants
Try to avoid irritants such as fumes, air pollution, chemical fumes, tobacco smoke, and dust which may contribute to the inflammation by irritating the mucus membrane of the nose.
Conclusion
Nasal polyps are asymptomatic and may not be picked up in milder cases. However, when they increase in size and number, they may cause symptoms like obstruction, pain, and nasal discharge. Homeopathic medicines help in providing relief in the symptoms of nasal polyps. Homeopathy also offers a preventive role, minimizing the chances of recurrence.
References
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