Do you struggle to breathe on a daily basis? If so, you may have nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are non cancerous soft teardrop shaped clusters of tissue that grow in the nose and sinuses, causing congestion, headaches, loss of taste or smell and difficulty breathing.

There are over 13 million people in the U.S. who suffer from this condition. Some people say it’s like having an elephant sitting on your chest. Health professionals attribute upper airway symptoms to an infection, allergies and sinusitis, medications can help but a CT scan can diagnosis your polyp. The cause is unknown, but chronic inflammation is a primary factor.

Corticosteroids nose sprays and oral steroids can help shrink the polyps, but there is a newer class of Biologics that are proving to be effective. This drug is called Dupixent. This is an alternative to surgery that can help shrink the polyp, help you breathe better, reduce congestion and improve your smell. Dupixent blocks two proteins that contribute to inflammation. Dupixent is given as an injection under the skin.

If you think you may have nasal polyps, if your quality of life is impacted, ask your primary care doctor for a referral to see Dr. Gary Buxa or Dr. Richard Bergstrom, board certified physicians, at ENT Center of Excellence.