Swollen benign growths found in the nasal lining are known as nasal polyps . These are non-cancerous and can be of varied sizes. Their color can vary from yellowish-brown to pink and can be in the shape of teardrops. Once they have grown in size, they can start looking like grapes hanging from a stem. There are different types of  nasal polyps , and the treatment options can be varied too. Here’s looking at these in detail.

Types of nasal polyps
Generally, based on the location of the growths,  nasal polyps  are categorized into types— antrochoanal and ethmoidal. 

1. Antrochoanal nasal polyps
Out of the two, antrochoanal  nasal polyps are the less commonly diagnosed type. This type of nasal polyps  is found in the maxillary sinuses. These sinuses are found above the teeth and under the cheeks and nose. 

2. Ethmoidal nasal polyps
These are the more common type of  nasal polyps . As the name suggests, these developments in the ethmoidal sinuses. These sinuses are found between the eyes and the nose.

Treatment options for nasal polyps
To prescribe treatment options, the doctor will first ask a question about your symptoms. They can also conduct a physical examination along with a nose examination. Once  nasal polyps  are diagnosed, there are several treatment options that the doctor can prescribe. These usually include the following:

1. Medicines
The goal of the treatment for  nasal polyps  is to reduce the polyps in size or eliminate them. The first treatment approach taken by doctors is usually medications. The medicines used in the treatment can help shrink the large polyps or make them disappear.  The medicines used in the treatment of nasal polyps include nasal corticosteroids, corticosteroids, which can be taken orally or injected, and medications that can treat nasal polyps  along with chronic sinusitis. There are some other medications also which can be prescribed to treat conditions that cause swelling in the nasal passages or sinuses for long durations. These medications usually include antibiotics for recurring or chronic infections and antihistamines for allergies.

2. Surgery
In cases where medications do not reduce the size or eliminate nasal polyps, the doctor can prescribe the surgery. This is an endoscopic surgery that helps in the removal of nasal polyps. This surgery also treats sinuses that put them at the risk of inflammation and the development of nasal polyps. During the procedure, a tube is inserted into the nose. The tube is equipped with a small camera (an endoscope) or a magnifying glass. Then, a small instrument is used to remove the polyps and any other substance which causes blockage in the fluid flow from the sinuses. Sometimes, the openings leading to the sinus’s nasal passages can also be enlarged by the surgeon. This surgery is an outpatient procedure usually.