Polyps in the nose is a problem that many people face. Moreover, quite often a similar disease is diagnosed in children. So what are these neoplasms? Why do they arise? Is there an effective treatment for a polyp in the nose with folk remedies?
What are polyps and why are they formed?
Polyps are benign formations that are formed from cells of the mucous tissue of the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses. By the way, according to statistics, men suffer from such an ailment about 2-4 times more often than the fair sex. Quite often, polyps form in the nose in children.
Despite the fact that neoplasms are considered benign, if untreated, they can be dangerous, as they tend to increase in size, gradually blocking the airways. Unfortunately, the cause of the formation of the polyp is not always clear. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted that risk factors are various allergic processes, impaired functioning of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, as well as fungal infections, chronic inflammatory and purulent processes. The list of reasons also includes a violation of the correct metabolism of arachidonic acid, intolerance to salicylic acid, as well as cystic fibrosis.
The main symptoms of the disease
In the early stages, it is not always easy to notice polyps in the nose. Patient reviews nonetheless indicate that there are some alarming signs that you should definitely pay attention to.
Patients gradually develop persistent nasal congestion. Also, signs may include the appearance of discharge from the nasal passages, difficulty in normal breathing. Such neoplasms squeeze blood vessels, which, in turn, leads to a violation of trophic tissue and a decrease in local immunity. As a result, patients are more prone to chronic inflammatory diseases. As the disease progresses, the voice may change (it becomes more nasal). Often people complain of a decrease or complete absence of smell.
Especially dangerous are polyps in the nose in infants. After all, shortness of breath disrupts sleep, and also prevents the baby from eating. In the absence of therapy, the child slowly gains weight.
In any case, if you have the above symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor. Treatment of a polyp in the nose with folk remedies is possible only after consultation with a specialist.
Conservative treatments
You can get rid of polyps in the nose with the help of conservative therapy, especially when it comes to the early stages of the disease. In the process of diagnosis, the doctor must determine the cause of the appearance of tumors and eliminate it. For example, in the presence of allergies, patients are advised to avoid contact with allergens, and are also prescribed antihistamines.
A sick person also undergoes full treatment of all inflammatory and chronic diseases (for example, chronic tonsillitis, etc.). Therapy may include the use of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating drugs, depending on the condition of the patient. In addition, various medical procedures are used, including regular washing of the nasal passages and sinuses, as well as warming.
When is surgery necessary?
With the ineffectiveness of conservative therapy, the presence of large neoplasms or chronic inflammatory processes, the patient needs surgical help: the doctor uses a special tool to remove polyps in the nose. The operation is performed both under local and general anesthesia, depending on the chosen technique. To date, most often, tumors are removed using forceps or special loops. This technique has several disadvantages. For example, after surgery, there is quite a lot of bleeding. In addition, there is a high risk of re-emergence of tumors.
Endoscopic removal of polyps through the nasal passages is becoming increasingly popular. During this procedure, special equipment is used, as well as optical fiber, which allows the doctor to clearly see the neoplasm, completely remove it and thoroughly rinse the paranasal sinuses.
Laser removal of polyps
Today, doctors are increasingly recommending patients to remove nasal polyps with a laser. Of course, such a procedure has several advantages. A precisely directed laser beam helps to quickly eliminate the neoplasm. Moreover, the laser instantly cauterizes damaged vessels, which prevents the appearance of massive bleeding. In addition, with such a procedure, the risk of tissue infection is minimized. The removal itself lasts about 15-20 minutes.
As for the shortcomings of the technique, unfortunately, such a “cauterization” of the polyp is impossible if the neoplasms have reached large sizes. In addition, the procedure is not so cheap.
Treatment of a polyp in the nose with folk remedies
Of course, in addition to the generally accepted, there are unconventional methods of dealing with a similar ailment. Is it possible to effectively treat a polyp in the nose with folk remedies? Testimonials from patients and doctors indicate that some recipes can really help, especially if you use them along with drug therapy.
For example, many experts recommend regular washing of the nasal passages with a weak saline solution - this helps cleanse the tissues of purulent and mucous masses, and prevents the development of the inflammatory process. For the same purpose, a decoction of celandine grass is used. To prepare it, you need a tablespoon of dried grass, pour a glass of boiling water, insist and strain. For washing the nose, it is most convenient to use a syringe.
Some folk healers recommend honey as a medicine. Dampen a cotton swab in it and carefully process the nasal passages. The procedure must be repeated three times a day.
For washing the nose, you can also use decoctions of herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as chamomile or calendula. But in any case, it should be understood that folk remedies can only be used as supporting measures.