What to ask when starting a new treatment for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that form in the mucus-producing tissues that line the nasal passages and sinuses. These growths may occur due to ongoing inflammation in these tissues, and they often occur alongside infections, asthma, allergies, and other conditions that cause chronic inflammation.

Small polyps are described as being tear shaped. Larger polyps are described as resembling grapes. Small polyps may not cause symptoms and may go undiagnosed, while larger polyps or clusters may interfere with breathing. Symptoms of nasal polyps can include persistent runny/stuffy nose, sinus pain/discomfort, and loss of smell. Nasal polyps can also lead to frequent sinus infections. However, everyone’s experience is different, and symptoms vary from person to person.

Treatment for nasal polyps

Treatment for nasal polyps focuses on shrinking or removing polyps and addressing the underlying factors that are causing and/or contributing to polyps. Improving a person’s quality of life is also an important goal and consideration for treatment.

Treatment often begins with a combination of nasal saline irrigations plus medications to reduce inflammation. Antibiotics can be prescribed to clear up any coexisting infection. Surgery to remove polyps may be recommended if initial therapies are not effective. Biologic therapies may be used to treat recurring polyps that are causing severe symptoms and high amounts of specific inflammatory biomarkers.

A person may need to try several therapies before finding an approach that works. With that in mind, here is a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider any time a new medication or therapy is being discussed.

Questions when discussing a new medication:

• What is the name of the medication? What dosage am I being prescribed?
• How does this medication work to treat nasal polyps? What is the goal of taking this medication?
• How is this medication administered?
• How often will I need to take this medication?
• How long will I be taking it?
• How will we know if the medication is working? How long should it take before I notice a difference in symptoms?
• What happens if this medication does not work?
• How can I expect to feel while taking this medication?
• What side effects can this medication cause? Is there a risk of serious side effects?
• What should I do if I experience a side effect?
• Is there anything I need to avoid while taking this medication?
• Can this medication interact with other medications I am taking? Keep a list of everything you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements (including herbal supplements).
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• What is the out-of-pocket cost of this medication? Who can I talk to if I have concerns about the cost?

Questions when discussing surgery:

• What is the name of the procedure?
• Why is surgery being recommended now? What is the goal of this procedure?
• What happens during the surgery? How long does the procedure take?
• What type of anesthesia is used?
• What does recovery look like? How do I need to care for my nasal passages in the days or weeks after surgery?
• What are the risks and possible complications of this procedure?
• What symptoms are normal after surgery? What symptoms indicate a complication or side effect?
• How long will I need to stay in the hospital and how long will it be before I can return to normal activities?
• Will I need to continue taking medications after surgery?
• What follow-up care will I need?
• What is the out-of-pocket cost of this procedure? Who can I talk to if I have concerns about the cost?

For questions about a diagnosis of nasal polyps or treatment for nasal polyps, your best source of information will always be a healthcare provider.