Nasal polyps are masses of abnormal tissue that grow inside of the nasal and sinus cavities (most commonly starting in the ethmoid sinuses). Hearing that abnormal tissue is growing inside you can be alarming, but know that nasal polyps are not cancerous. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to distinguish between a benign nasal polyp and a sinonasal cancer.  If you have a persistent, painful, enlarging mass or bleeding, be sure to consult with an ENT doctor for appropriate evaluation.

Benign nasal polyps are closely associated with a condition called chronic rhinosinusitis, which causes chronic inflammation in the nose and sinuses. This is a hyper-immune response and biopsies of nasal polyps show a high concentration of a white blood cell (a component of the immune system) called eosinophils.

Underlying conditions such as allergies and asthma are common in people who get nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are also common in people who have cystic fibrosis, and are often associated with an allergy to aspirin. Patients who have aspirin sensitivity or an aspirin allergy, asthma, and nasal polyps have a condition called Sampter’s triad.  These polyps can be difficult to treat, and it’s important to work closely with your doctor in this case.

Symptoms to Address

Even though these growths are benign, nasal polyps can cause bothersome symptoms, block off normal air flow and ventilation in the nasal and sinus cavities, and make it more likely for you to develop conditions such as a sinus infection. Ironically, infections can lead to more inflammation and the possibility of more polyps.

You may also experience congestion, a chronic runny nose, a feeling of fullness or pressure in your face, facial pain, headaches or toothaches, and a decreased sense of smell. Addressing the polyps can help alleviate most, if not all, of these symptoms.

Biologics will likely come up in your treatment research and discussions. If you are considering them as a treatment option, there are several considerations for you to ask about and undertake.

Cost

Biologics can be expensive. And if you have health insurance, don’t be surprised if your provider doesn’t immediately agree to pay for them. However, this does not mean that biologics are completely unavailable to you in this scenario, or if you lack health insurance or income.

The best thing you can do is work with your physician’s office to make sure the requirements needed for your insurance provider to cover these drugs are met. 

Dupixent, currently the only FDA-approved biologic for nasal polyps, shares information on insurance and pricing on their website. They also have a copay card you can apply for, which may reduce your costs. Eligibility is determined by your insurance status and household income.

Administering Injections

Dupixent is administered via a subcutaneous injection, into the layer of fat just below your skin. You must be willing to give yourself these injections, which are dispensed to you by a qualified pharmacy as a prefilled syringe. But if you’re apprehensive, know that your healthcare professional will train you prior to your first injection at home, and can share tips for some of the concerns you may have, like pain or fear of needles. Many patients who were apprehensive found that the injections are much easier than they suspected.

Underlying Medical Conditions or Allergies

Not everyone can take Dupixent. You should not take Dupixent if you have had an allergic reaction to dupilumab or any of the other ingredients in this medication (if you are unsure, talk to your pharmacist). You should also not take Dupixent if you have a history of or current eye problems or an infection caused by a parasite. It is unknown if taking Dupixent while pregnant or breastfeeding could harm your baby, so be sure to discuss this with your provider.