Nasal polyps manifest themselves as painless growth on the nasal lining. The symptoms of nasal polyps include stuffiness, loss of taste or smell, headaches, pain, snoring, or a runny nose. This issue can be caused by allergies, immune disorders, and drug sensitivity.

Here are the five main mistakes that people make while trying to manage or treat this condition:

1. Skipping medications
Skipping medications while you are under treatment for nasal polyps may cause the treatment to fail. Complications may arise, meaning the disease can take a longer time than expected to be resolved. The best course of action is to follow your doctor’s instructions on taking medications. Try setting a reminder or an alarm on your phone to help you follow the prescription.

2. Breathing or exposure to dry air
Dry air is difficult to breathe when you have nasal polyps. The best thing to do would be to ensure that you breathe humidified air. Try purchasing an air humidifier to help yourself breathe more easily. You could also try to avoid common irritants that can lead to inflammation.

3. Not using nasal rinses
If you’re suffering from nasal polyps, you need to keep your air pathways open. Nasal rinses can be helpful to clear allergens that may be irritating or blocking air pathways. If you are diagnosed with nasal polyps, regular nasal rinses can be a helpful treatment.

4. Practicing poor hygiene
It is always good to practice proper hygiene to prevent further infections, such as washing your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your face. Practicing poor hygiene may cause nasal polyps to worsen. For instance, dirty hands can carry bacteria that can cause inflammation to your nasal lining. Carry a hand sanitizer with you to ensure you do not contaminate your nasal lining with bacteria using your hands.

5. Trying to remove the polyps yourself
Never try to remove nasal polyps yourself. If you notice or are diagnosed with nasal polyps, the best course of action is to see a doctor. A qualified doctor can remove the polyps through a surgical procedure. Trying to remove them yourself could lead to infections or a worsening condition.

Nasal polyps can be annoying, but they can be resolved with proper hygiene, nasal rinses, and the help of a medical professional. It is important to note that the patient plays a major role in the recovery process.