I Cant Taste Anything Very Well Why
When there are polyps filling about 50% or more of the nose, the air in the nasal cavity is blocked and does not reach the area where the smell nerves are located. When air and odors cant get to the nerve endings, then a person cant smell well, or may not smell anything at all and therefore cant taste well, either, because much of our sense of taste is related to our sense of smell.
You Will Be Interested In My Journey
As you have experienced, your problems began long before your physician talked about nasal polyps.
During the first few months and years, you were only sick once in a while with so-called sinusitis or allergy. Your physician treated you like anyone else, and you continued to live normally.
But after a while, these problems were more and more frequent. One day, your physician asked you to do an MRI or a scanner, and he told you that you have nasal polyps.
Alternativesto Nasal Polyp Removal
Before going ahead with nasal polyp removal, there may be other things you can try first, depending on your condition.
Many people try non-surgical treatments for their nasal polyps and get relief without the need for surgery.
Nasal polyps are often made worse by asthma, allergies, certain foods and other environmental irritants. By managing your asthma and reducing your exposure to irritants, your symptoms may improve enough for you to manage without surgery.
Reducing the amount of inflammation in your nose and sinuses can help reduce the size of polyps and the problems they cause. About 80% of people with nasal polyps get good results from using steroid medications, either as a nasal spray or orally.
Sometimes nasal polyps are related to an underlying disease such as cystic fibrosis. If your doctor has identified an underlying condition behind your polyps, then steroid treatment may not be effective and it may be better to have surgery sooner rather than later.
If you have nasal polyps, surgery is an effective solution, however the polyps may come back and youre likely to need long-term medical treatment after your surgery.
Medications
Nasal steroids
Oral steroids
Your doctor can prescribe steroid tablets to reduce the size of the polyps. Theyre usually only used in the short-term as longer-term use is more likely to cause side effects.
Nasal irrigation
You can also buy saline nasal sprays at the pharmacy. Theyre a good choice for children with nasal congestion.
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Nasal Polyps Make Your Life Miserable
I donât need to tell you much about your stuffy nose and your difficulties breathing, your sinusitis and your headaches, your lost sense of smell and taste, your problems sleeping, and how you feel exhausted most of the time⦠You and I know exactly how hard it is to live a happy and normal life with nasal polyps.
But, I need to tell you about what physicians just donât have the time to tell. They are more consequences to nasal polyps than chronic sinusitis.
Nasal polyps make you feel you are not there in the moment. They create pressure inside your head, and often accompanied by a light but continuous pain at the base of the forehead and behind the eyes. Your head is congested and your mind is foggy.
Nasal polyps make you feel lonely. The people around you have trouble understanding how you really feel. After all, there is not much they can see other than you have a runny nose like anyone else. You may also give them an impression of being âelsewhereâ and not present for good reasons, but it makes them uncomfortable about you.
Nasal Polyps makes you feel old. You see other people your age that are full of energy that you just donât have anymore. Itâs a burden to cope with all your personal, family, social, and professional life obligations. You find yourselves wondering if you are up to the task and why you are so tired.
Keeping Polyps Away With Steroid Nose Sprays
Some people are prone to repeated nasal polyps. Steroid nasal sprays can be used regularly, long-term, to try to prevent further polyps from developing. Steroid nasal sprays include beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone and triamcinolone. You can buy some of these sprays over the counter from pharmacies, without a prescription.
It is best to see a doctor first, to have the correct diagnosis of nasal polyps, before buying medicines and treating yourself.
Regular use of a steroid nasal spray is safe. The amount of steroid in a spray is less than in the drops. Drops are better at clearing polyps if they do come back.
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Treatments To Shrink Nasal Polyps
Shrinking nasal polyps often requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. Your doctor may first recommend that you try some at-home therapies which could help shrink nasal polyps, such as:
- Humidifying your home. Dry air robs your nasal passages of their moisture, which may cause blockages and inflammation that can lead to nasal polyps. Use a humidifier to help keep prevent these problems.
- Nasal rinses. Saline sprays or nasal washes also help prevent inflammation by rinsing your nasal passages clear of allergens and other irritants. These rinses also help mucus flow better within your nasal passages.
- Practicing good nasal hygiene. In some cases, nasal polyps result from bacterial and viral infections that cause inflammation in the nose and sinuses. Good hygiene, including washing your hands regularly, can help prevent these infections.
If these therapies arent effective enough, prescription medications can be beneficial and provide you with fast symptom relief. Your doctor may prescribe:
In rare cases, surgery is necessary to place a tiny stent, or tube, in the nasal passages to help keep them open. Doctors may also use this stent to deliver medications, like steroids, directly to existing polyps. Occasionally, doctors recommend surgery to simply remove troublesome nasal polyps. This type of surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
What Other Tests Can Be Ordered
Some other tests that Dr Singh may order include:
- CT scan – This can show the extent of your nasal polyps and the anatomy of your nose and sinuses.
- Skin prick tests – These can show if you have allergy
- Blood tests – These can show if you have allergy . Blood tests are not as accurate as skin prick tests but are easier to perform.
- Rhinomanometry and Acoustic Rhinometry – These scientifically measure the airflow through your nose
Our practice is unique as we have a CT-scanner on-site, along with an in-house allergy-nurse who can perform accurate testing of your allergies and nasal airflow. This means all tests can be finished in one visit, instead of repeated appointments.
Despite all the tests and high-technology available, the single most accurate tool is your doctor’s knowledge, training and experience!
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Natural Treatments + Healthy Diet & Lifestyle Changes
Fortunately, there are many natural treatments and home remedies to treat and soothe nasal polyps. These include making healthy dietary and lifestyle changes and using essential oils and supplements. Read on for a wide variety of options you can use to find relief.
Essential Oils & Supplements
1. Tea Tree Oil
Known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil can be effective when used in the nasal passages. Do not use tea tree oil internally.
2. Bromelain
You may be surprised to learn that eating the fiber-dense core of a pineapple can supply you with an anti-inflammatory immune system-boosting enzyme. Because of its ability to reduce swelling, bromelain helps reduce symptoms of sinus infections. It also protects against allergies and asthma.
Try adding a pineapple core to your smoothie. Or, take bromelain as a daily supplement .
3. Magnesium
Similar to bromelain, magnesium contains anti-inflammatory properties and it also relaxes body tissue, among many important functions. Eat a diet rich in magnesium-dense foods, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes.
You can also try taking a magnesium supplement the NIH recommends 400420 milligrams daily for adults 18 years old and older, with RDAs adjusted for age and, in the case of females, for pregnancy and lactation. You can even soak in a warm bath filled with Epsom salt to absorb magnesium directly through your skin.
4. Goldenseal
5. Zinc
6. Probiotics
7. Turmeric
8. Cayenne Pepper
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
What Are Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are growths that develop in the nose or sinuses. Theyre actually quite common and may be caused by allergies, inflammation, or infection.
Typically, nasal polyps dont cause any symptoms. Unlike some other types of polyps, theyre usually noncancerous.
In some cases, though, there are symptoms. These include itching, runny nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and more.
Doctors may prescribe steroid nasal sprays or prednisone for relief, which can stop symptoms or get rid of polyps altogether. Symptoms and polyps may come back, though.
If youre seeking natural alternatives to medications, this article explores what treatments may work best and are most effective.
Most treatments are shown to improve symptoms and discomfort associated with nasal polyps. None are proven to get rid of nasal polyps completely.
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Can Nasal Polyps Be Prevented
There are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing polyps in your nose. Plus, as polyps can re-occur, these steps are useful after youve had treatment too, to try and prevent further problems.
- If you have asthma, keep on top of your medications and treatment plan to keep your symptoms under control
- If you have a known allergy to aspirin or other NSAID drugs, including AERD or Samters Triad, avoid taking them this could reduce the risk of polyps developing
- If you have allergies such as hay fever, try to reduce your exposure to irritants such as dust and pollen
- Avoid substances that could irritate the nasal passages, such as smoke, dust, or chemicals
- Use nasal rinses such as a saline spray or wash to remove irritants from your nasal passages and help the flow of mucus. Kits are available to purchase from pharmacies
- Try using a humidifier in your home to aid your breathing and help reduce the risk of nose blockages or nasal inflammation
- Practice good hygiene, such as regularly washing your hands to help reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections which can cause nasal inflammation.
If you are worried you have nasal polyps or are having difficulty breathing, you should seek medical help.
Bachert C, Zhang N, Cavaliere C et al. 2020. Biologics for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Mar 145:725-739. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.01.020. PMID: 32145872.
BMJ Best Practice. 2021. Nasal polyps.
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Other Nonsurgical Treatments For Nasal Polyps
There are additional nonsurgical treatments for nasal polyps that don’t include steroids. These include:
- Antibiotics: Though rare, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat nasal polyps. If they are prescribed, it’s usually because there is an additional concern of bacterial infection.
- Leukotriene inhibitors: Montelukast, a type of leukotriene inhibitor often used to treat asthma, has shown some benefit in treating nasal polyps, particularly for people with aspirin sensitivity.
- Biologics: Dupilumab, a new type of biologic monoclonal antibody, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2019 to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with moderate to severe nasal polyps. It is given as a biweekly injection.
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What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Nasal Polyps
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
- How can I lessen the symptoms?
- Do I need medications or surgery or both?
- Should I restrict my activities?
- Do I need to see a specialist?
- Should I go to the emergency room for any symptoms?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
When nasal polyps grow in the nose or sinuses, they can cause bothersome symptoms and lead to infections. Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and short surgeries. These treatments can shrink nasal polyps and relieve symptoms.
Nasal Polyps And Asthma
While overall prevalence of nasal polyps is low , it is more common in people with asthma. For example, one study found that 16.5% of people with asthma over 40 years of age have nasal polyps.
Nasal polyps are a subgroup of chronic rhinosinusitis. But not all people with this condition will develop nasal polyps. Chronic rhinosinusitis is defined as having two or more symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks, including facial pain/pressure, nasal discharge with pus, nasal obstruction and decreased sense of smell during chronic inflammation and nasal polyps. While about 7% of people with asthma have chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps , 20-60% of people with CRSwNP have asthma.
Studies have shown that patients with nasal polyps and asthma have more severe asthma than those who dont have polyps. For example, one study found that people with asthma and nasal polyps have increased airway obstruction, more inflammatory cells and reduced asthma control compared to those without nasal polyps.
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How Do I Prevent Nasal Polyps
Not everyone will be able to prevent nasal polyps. However, there are a few ways you may be able to help yourself. The strategies include the following:
- Follow your doctors instructions on taking your allergy and asthma medications.
- Avoid breathing airborne allergens or irritants that lead to inflammation of your nose and sinus cavities.
- Practice good hygiene.
- Use a humidifier in your home to help moisten your breathing passages.
- Use a saline nasal rinse or spray to remove allergens or other irritants that may cause nasal polyps.
How Long Do Nasal Polyps Last After Treatment
How long do nasal polyps last after treatment? Even after successful treatment, nasal polyps often return. Nasal polyps are associated with irritation and swelling of the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses that lasts more than 12 weeks .
How often should you take prednisolone for nasal polyps? symptoms, 20mg daily of oral prednisolone for 14 days should be combined with 6 weeks of Flixonase® nasules, twice daily. Treatment using oral steroids and Flixonase nasules can be repeated up to twice a year, however if it fails to controlmp theom sy, a referralto ENT is advised.
What should I do if I have a polyp on my nose? Nasal polyp treatment usually starts with drugs, which can make even large polyps shrink or disappear. Drug treatments may include: Nasal corticosteroids. Your doctor is likely to prescribe a corticosteroid nasal spray to reduce swelling and irritation.
What are nasal polyps and what are the symptoms? Nasal polyps are a chronic inflammatory condition of the nose and paranasal sinuses. They are characterised by slow, progressive nasal obstruction, with accompanied reduction in sense of smell.
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When Surgery May Be Needed
An endoscopic surgery to remove nasal polyps may be recommended if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective or if the nasal polyps are very large. This typically is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day as long as you have no complications.
During the procedure, your surgeon will insert a thin tube into your nasal passage. The tube has a light on the end as well as surgical instruments to help your surgeon cut out the polyps.
Surgery to remove nasal polyps can treat symptoms and help you breathe more easily. However, keep in mind that unless the underlying cause is under control, then nasal polyps can recur.
What To Expect Long
Still, despite surgical removal, nasal polyps will likely return. While the exact timeline isnt certain, research suggests that recurrence may be expected within a decade . Symptoms, though, will often remain improved.
If you experience new symptoms of nasal polyps, discuss next steps with your doctor. This may include repeat surgery or medications, depending on how large the polyps are.
Nasal corticosteroids and nasal saline irrigations are still recommended long-term to help stop polyps from coming back even after surgery.
While you cant prevent nasal polyps from occurring, medications may help reduce their growth. In some cases, nasal steroid treatment may help shrink polyps to help prevent the need for surgery or a repeated operation.
Treating underlying conditions, such as allergies and aspirin sensitivity, may also be important.
During your treatment plan, take note of any symptoms, and whether they have gotten better or worsened during medication use.
If you experience frequent nasal symptoms such as congestion or loss of smell, see a medical professional for an evaluation. Even if youve already had nasal polyp surgery, remember that these growths may come back.
Your healthcare professional will diagnose nasal polyps and make treatment recommendations based on the following:
- a history of your symptoms
- a physical exam, including your nasal passages
- imaging tests
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When To Seek Help For Nasal Polyps
Symptoms of nasal polyps are similar to sinusitis. You may feel like you have a really bad cold that just won’t go away. Symptoms last at least 12 weeks and may include one or more of the following:
- Stuffy nose
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Sneezing
- Loss of taste or smell
- Frequent infections
- Snoring
Who Develops Nasal Polyps
Around 4 in 100 people will develop nasal polyps at some stage in their lives. Nasal polyps can affect anyone but most cases occur in people over the age of 40 years. They are twice as common in men as in women. Nasal polyps are uncommon in children. A child with nasal polyps should also be checked for cystic fibrosis, as cystic fibrosis is a risk factor for developing nasal polyps.
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