Disease Index

Nasal Polyps and Homeopathy

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Written by Subhranil Saha

Nasal polyps are frequently dealt-with cases in day-to-day practice. Nasal obstruction, rhinitis, headache, loss of smell, snoring, sleep apnea etc. are some of the very disturbing complaints from which the patients suffer. Appropriate diagnosis, correct general measures and judicious homeopathic approach not only uproot the disease, can also prevent recurrence quite effectively.

Abstract: Nasal polyps are frequently dealt-with cases in day-to-day practice. Among its different varieties, simple mucus polyps are very common. It has two distinct varieties – ethmoidal and antro-choanal polyps. Almost always, an allergic or infectious etiology is present. Nasal obstruction, rhinitis, headache, loss of smell, snoring, sleep apnea etc. are some of the very disturbing complaints from which the patients suffer. Appropriate diagnosis, correct general measures and judicious homeopathic approach not only uproot the disease, can also prevent recurrence of Nasal polyps quite effectively.
Keywords: Nasal polyps, Ethmoidal and Antro-choanal Polyps, Pathology, Allergic Polyp, Infective Polyp, Treatment, Homeopathic Remedies.

Nasal polyps are frequently dealt-with cases in day-to-day practice. Among its different varieties, simple mucus polyps are very common. It has two distinct varieties – ethmoidal and antro-choanal polyps. Almost always, an allergic or infectious etiology is present. Nasal obstruction, rhinitis, headache, loss of smell, snoring, sleep apnea etc. are some of the very disturbing complaints from which the patients suffer. Appropriate diagnosis, correct general measures and judicious homeopathic approach not only uproot the disease, can also prevent recurrence quite effectively.

Keywords: Ethmoidal and Antro-choanal Polyps, Pathology, Allergic Polyp, Infective Polyp, Treatment, Homeopathic Remedies.

Introduction: The para-nasal air sinuses are the cavities within the skull that open into the nose. If the soft tissue lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed, it fills the available space and expands into the nose forming a growth, called polyp (also called ‘mucus retention cysts’). As there are a number of small sinuses between the eye and the nose, when polyps do occur, there will usually be several of them. The tendency to manifest multiple polyps is called polyposis. The word ‘polyp’ (Gr.) actually has been coined from two Greek words – ‘poly’ means many and ‘pous’ means footed.

 

Definition: Nasal polyp is hypertrophied, pedunculated, loose, fibro-edematous mucosa of nose and the paranasal air-sinuses. The surface is lined with pseudo-stratified ciliated columnar epithelium.

 

 

Epidemiology:

  • 0.1% children and 1% adult population is affected.
  • Male: Female = 3:1
  • Chance of developing is 1-20 in 1000, after the age of 60.
  • No racial predilection.

Types:

  • Ethmoid Polyps: These are better seen on anterior rhinoscopy. These polyps are very common, especially in middle age and in elderly people. These arise from the ethmoid cells and grow towards the anterior nares. There are multiple, bluish-white or grayish, grape-like, pedunculated mass, usually bilateral, coming from the ethmoid area. There may be associated infection (pus) in the meati. Polyps, reaching anterior nares may be pinkish in color due to exposure and squamous metaplasia. Probe test shows soft, mobile, insensitive mass and differentiates from edematous turbinate. In long standing cases, there may be expansion or broadening of the external nose, called ‘frog-face‘, due to large number of polypoid mass coming out through anterior nares.
  • Antro-choanal Polyps: These are common among children and adolescents and can be better seen in posterior rhinoscopy. They arise from the maxillary antrum and extend backward to the posterior nares or choana. There is bluish-white smooth polypoid mass coming out of choanal aperture arising from the middle meatus. In advanced cases, polyp may be seen hanging behind soft palate in the oropharynx.

Diagram of sites of origin of nasal polyps

Multiple nasal polyps protruding from the left nostril

As in the picture above, if untreated, nasal polyps may cause gradual widening of the nasal bridge

In some instances, because of obstruction, a bacterial infection sets in and green nasal discharge may be seen trickling around the polyp

Endoscopic view of an ethmoid polyp in the left middle meatus

Pathology:

Etiological factors: Allergy, infection, deviated nasal septum (DNS), chronic rhino-sinusitis, genetic predisposition, autonomic nerve dysfunction, Bernoulli phenomenon etc.

Pathogenic theories: Though inconclusive, names of few accepted theories are given below –

  • Adenoma and fibroma theories;
  • Necrotizing ethmoiditis theory;
  • Glandular cyst theory;
  • Glandular hyperplasia theory;
  • Mucosal exudates theory;
  • Blockade theory;
  • Cystic dilatation of the excretory duct and vessel obstruction theory;
  • Periphlebitis and perilymphangitis theory;
  • New gland formation theory;
  • Epithelial rupture theory;
  • Ion transport theory.

Etiology: The polyps are the end-product of prolonged allergic edema of the mucosa and sub-mucosa of nose and the para-nasal air-sinuses. The sub-mucosa surrounding the middle meatus is lax and gets filled up with intracellular serous fluid and shows edematous hypertrophy. The mucosal swelling gets aggravated by traction of discharge, poor aeration of the middle meatus, efforts to clear the nose and possible interference with lymphatic flow. The edema blocks the ostium of the ethmoid air-cells and cause secondary bacterial infection. Gravity and narrowness of the meatus promote downward extension and formation of ethmoid polyps. The antro-choanal polyp arises from edematous mucosa of the maxillary sinus near the ostium and grows by edematous hypertrophy through the ostium into posterior part of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The ostium is directed backward; so part of the polyp is in the sinus and part in the nose and nasopharynx.

Associations:

  • Infective sinusitis (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides fragilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa etc.) (87%);
  • Cystic fibrosis / CF (3-48%);
  • Sampter’s triad: Aspirin sensitivity + Asthma + Nasal polyps (60%);
  • Asthma – allergic/non-allergic (20-50%);
  • Fungal sinusitis (80%);
  • Kartagener’s syndrome (27%);
  • Others; e.g. Churg-Strauss syndrome, non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilic syndrome (NARES), Young’s syndrome, primary ciliary dyskinesia, selective IgA deficiency, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), alcohol intolerance, smoking etc.

Histology: The polyps are sac-like structures with an eosinophil-rich edematous wall characterized by goblet cell hyperplasia and thickened basement membrane. Poor blood supply may give them a pale appearance. Histological section also reveals plasma cells, lymphocytes and mast cells. Polypoid tissue is rich in ground substance containing acid mucopolysaccharide.

  • Eosinophil contains granules with toxic products (e.g. leukotrienes, eosinophilic cationic protein, major basophilic protein, platelet activating factor, peroxidases, various vasoactive substances and chemotactic factors). These toxic factors are responsible for epithelial lysis, nerve damage and ciliostasis. Specific granule proteins, LTA4 and PAF apparently are responsible for the mucosal swelling and hyper-responsiveness.
  • Delayed apoptosis of eosinophils is mediated, in part, by blockage of the Fas receptors, typically by proteases that help begin the process of cell death. Delayed apoptosis is also mediated by an increase in interleukin-5, 3 and GM-CSF secreted by the T-lymphocytes. Glucocorticoids seem to help reduce polyps possibly, in part, by inhibiting IL-5.
  • Another inflammatory cell neutrophil occurs in 7% of polyp cases. This type of polyp occurs in association with cystic fibrosis or Young’s syndrome. These polyps do not respond well to corticosteroids because they lack corticosteroid-sensitive eosinophils. Degranulated mast cells are also present. Degranulation presumably occurs in a non-IgE-mediated fashion. Increased number of plasma cells, lymphocytes and myofibroblasts also occur.
  • There are various chemical mediators which play important roles in the formation of the polyps; e.g.

ü   Cytokines: IL-1, 5 (rarely 3, 4)

ü   Immunoglobulins: IgA and E

ü   Growth factors: TNF-? and ?, GM-CSF, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular permeable factors (VPFs), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), stem cell factor etc.

ü   Adhesion molecules: VCAM-1, E and P selectin.

Clinical Features:

  • Nasal obstruction preventing nasal breathing is the chief and persistent symptom. It may be unilateral (common in antro-choanal polyps) or bilateral (found in ethmoid polyps). The obstruction becomes acute following a cold.
  • Nasal intonation is often seen.
  • Sneezing with rhinorrhea; purulent rhinorrhea may be present in ethmoid polyps due to bacterial super-infection.
  • Sensation of post-nasal drip, i.e. something running down the back of throat due to trickling of mucus from the back of large polyps.
  • Dull headache, itching around the eyes, hawking and cough are usually present.
  • Hyposmia/anosmia; often decreased taste sensation may also be present.
  • Snoring and obstructive sleep dyspnea, sometimes apnea.
  • Chronic mouth breathing; may lead to recurrent mouth or throat infections.
  • Extensive polyposis causing Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause fluid and infection in the middle ear space.
  • Occasionally, massive polyps can give rise to cranio-facial structural abnormalities leading to proptosis, hypertelorism (increased intra-orbital distance) and diplopia. Some may grow into the cranial cavity, but they rarely cause neurological signs as their growth is very slow.

Clinical Examination:

  • Through examination with nasal speculum to identify the nasal polyps.
  • Very large antro-choanal polyps may grow down into the oropharynx and can be visualized with a tongue depressor.
  • Flexible rhinoscopy to visualize the nasal cavity and oropharynx and to localize the extent of the polyp.

Imaging Study:

  • X-ray of the sinuses (rarely advised)
  • In ethmoid polyps: widening of the ethmoid labyrinth; bilateral antral haziness due to associated maxillary sinus infection; haziness of ethmoid cells.
  • In antro-choanal polyps: unilateral opacity of the maxillary antrum.
    • CTS of the maxilla-facial area and the nasopharynx
    • In ethmoid polyps: haziness of ethmoid cells.
    • In antro-choanal polyps: antro-nasal mass extending into nasopharynx.
      • MRI Scan, if intra-cranial growth is suspected.

Normal CT sinus showing air within sinus cavities (black),  bones (white) and soft tissue (grey);

Abnormal CT sinus showing grey coloration within the sinus cavity, especially on the right side; right maxillary sinusitis  with bilateral ethmoidal sinusitis; possibility of presence of polyps in these locations; also deviated septum.

Laboratory Studies:

  • Children with polyposis that is associated with allergic rhinitis should have an evaluation for their allergies. This may include a serological radioallergosorbent test (RAST) or some form of allergic skin testing.
  • A sweat-chloride test or genetic testing for cystic fibrosis in any child with multiple benign nasal polyps may be performed.
  • A nasal smear for eosinophils may differentiate allergic from non-allergic cases. Presence of neutrophils may indicate chronic sinusitis.

Differential diagnosis:

Hypertrophied turbinates

The turbinates are pink in color; sensitive to touch as compared to an ethmoidal polyp and is firm to feel when comparing with softness of polyp. A probe can’t be passed around the turbinates as it is attached laterally and has no pedicle like an ethmoidal polyp.

Rhinosporidiosis

This fungal infection (causative fungal agent: Rhinosporidium seeberi/kinealy) of the nose produces a strawberry like, bleeding polypoid in the nose usually arising from the septum. The surface is studded with minute white dots (sporangia). It is common in people living in coastal areas of India.

Angio – fibroma of Septum

It presents as bleeding mass in the nose. A careful examination reveals its site of origin.

Transitional cell or squamous papilloma

Papilloma arising from the lateral wall in the region of the middle meatus may present as a polypoid mass. This is usually single and has an opaque and fleshy look.

Meningocele

A prolongation of meninges mass occur in the nasal cavity and appear as soft, cystic, polyp like swelling particularly in young children. Hence, it is always advisable to aspirate a polypoid swelling in a younger patient for cerebro-spinal fluid.

Malignancy of nose

The malignant lesion in the nose may present as a polypoid mass. It is usually friable and bleeds easily on touch.

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

Particularly it is a less vascular variety and may be confused with an antro-choanal polyp. A History of epistaxis in an adolescent male with a lobular mass in the nasopharynx indicates a nasopharyngeal lesion rather than antro-choanal polyp. Sometimes prominent vessels are visible on the tumor surface.

Hematoma

It is a developmental malformation consisting of a tumor like growth of tissue. It is a benign lesion but may become large enough to cause trouble according to size & location; but it rarely becomes malignant.

Cyst of the nose

Compressible, painless, usually produces naso-facial deformity.

Difference between allergic polyp and infective polyp:

Allergic polyp Infective polyp
  1. History of nasal allergy
  2. Appearance: Pale, boggy & edematous
  3. Increased eosinophil count in blood examination
  4. Biopsy: Excess eosinophil in the matrix
  5. History of chronic sinusitis
  6. Fleshy red
  7. Increased Neutrophil count in blood examination
  8. Excess neutrophil in the matrix

 

Treatment:

General Measures:

  • Vitamin A, C, E, bioflavonoid, Zn and Se supplements;
  • One teaspoon of castor oil everyday;
  • 1/4th of a teaspoon of citric acid and same amount of baking soda to be taken with warm water 2 to 3 times a day;
  • Mint tea with high rosmarinic acid content (about 150 mg);
  • Deep breathing exercises at least for 10 minutes each morning, afternoon and evening;
  • Rinsing the nasal region regularly using a solution made by mixing a cup of lukewarm water (240ml) with half a teaspoon of Epsom salt (sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate). This is believed to prevent the formation of nasal polyps;
  • Hot baths or showers to relieve congestion and to reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa;
  • Steam inhalations;
  • Restriction of nose-blowing;
  • Use of home humidifier;
  • Practice of good hygiene;
  • Avoidance of irritants and allergens (e.g. airborne pollutants, chemicals etc) as much as possible.

Important rubrics for Repertorization:

The following rubrics may be taken into consideration during the treatment of nasal polyps (as in the SYNTHESIS repertory by Dr. Frederik Schroyens):

Chapter: NOSE (page 531)

Agglutination of nostrils

morning

Air

cold air, sensitive to

sensitive to inspired air

Blow

inclination to blow the nose; constant

body in nose; sensation of large

Boring in nose with fingers

amel

bleeds; until

catarrhal symptoms, with

headache

Broad and flat

Catarrh

side, time, accompanied by etc.

Coryza

side, extension, time, accompanied by, character etc.

Discharge

side, time, character, amount, crusts, dripping, consistency, color etc.

Dilated nostrils

Discoloration

Dryness

localization, time etc.

Dust in nose; sensation of

Dyspnea

Enlargement, sensation of

Epistaxis (bleeding)

side, time, accompanied by, character of blood etc.

Excoriation

Foreign body; sensation of a

root

upper part

Formication (crawling in)

accompanied by

dorsum

inside

root

tip

Fullness, sense of

Hay fever

Heaviness (weight)

Inflammation (Rhinitis)

side, allergic, chronic, purulent etc.

Irritation

Itching

side, time, burning, epistaxis, pain, scratch until raw, worms from etc.

Lump in posterior nares

Motion

constant

fanlike

Obstruction

side, time, accompanied by, alternating with, chronic, cold, discharge, epistaxis, sensation of etc.

Odors, imaginary and real

Pain

side, time, epistaxis with, headache with, character, extension etc.

Polyps

rt.

lt.

bleeds easily

posterior nares

Pulsation

pulsation

left

root

tip

Sensitive

Sides alternating

Sinuses, complaints of

right

frontal sinuses

maxillary sinuses

Sinusitis

Smell

diminished

wanting

Sneezing

time, coryza with or without, coughing etc.

Snuffling

Sooty nostrils (dirty)

Warm

Water, sensation as if

Weather agg.

Wet, too / Sensation in nose, constant wet

 

Homeopathic Remedies:

Allopathic treatment provides only immediate symptomatic relief, which is only palliative and gradually when the patients become resistant to the ever-increasing doses of glucocorticoids and anti-allergics, they are referred to surgery. In spite of surgical removal, high recurrence rate (about 60%) is very common since allergy, often the root cause, remains uncured. Besides, surgery may arise various complications (in about 5% cases), e.g. epistaxis, loss of vision and even CSF leakage.

In comparison, Homeopathy is a very safe and effective mode of treatment. Whenever administered judiciously, homeopathic remedies have controlled the growth of the polyps and have provided permanent relief. Not only being directed at reducing the size of polyps, homeopathy aims at curing the underlying disorders like chronic colds, asthma, allergy etc. Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that treats the human being as a whole. Through its constitutional and anti-miasmatic treatment, it can drastically eradicate the underlying etiology permanently. Thus timely and appropriately administered homeopathic remedies help avoid surgery and its inherent complications. Homeopathy also has preventive role to offer, by which chance of recurrence is minimized. Homeopathic medicines are non-habit forming and have no addictive properties. It has an exceptional proven safety record with the FDA with more than 200 years of clinical effectiveness.

Commonly used homeopathic medicines used in treatment of nasal polyps are discussed below with their indicating characteristics:

AGRAPHIS NUTANS (Bluebell)

  • Nasal polyps obstruct the nostrils; enlarged and inflamed tonsils; throat deafness.
  • Tendency to catch cold and free discharge from mucus membrane on every exposure to cold wind; mucus diarrhea from cold.
  • Mutism of childhood, unconnected with deafness.

ALLIUM CEPA (Red Onion)

  • Nasal polypus; profuse, watery and acrid nasal discharge, with profuse, bland lachrymation and catarrhal dull headache; feeling of a lump at root of nose; violent sneezing on rising from bed; spring coryza and hay fever in August every year.
  • Acute catarrhal inflammation of mucous membranes with increased secretion; worse after exposure to damp north-east wind, in evening and in warm room; better in a cold room and in open air.
  • Catarrhal laryngitis and hoarseness; cough compels patient to grasp the larynx; seems as if cough would tear it.
  • Headache ceases during menses, returns when flow disappears; burning, biting and smarting pain in eyes as from smoke.
  • Strong craving for raw onions.

AMMONIUM CARBONICUM (Smelling Salt / Carbonate of Ammonia)

  • Nose stopped at night from long-continued coryza; chronic mouth breathing and snuffles of children; epistaxis after washing and after eating; loses breath on falling asleep, must awaken to get breath.
  • Hemorrhagic diathesis; stout, fleshy, delicate women leading sedentary life and readily catch cold in winter; children dislike washing.
  • Cholera-like symptoms at the commencement of menstruation.
  • Dry cough; tickling in throat as from dust, in every morning from 3-4 a.m.
  • Worse in cold, wet weather, from wet application, washing and during menses; better in dry weather.

AMMONIUM MURIATICUM (Sal Ammoniac / Ammonium Chloride)

  • Hot, acrid coryza corroding the lip; sneezing; nose sore to touch; ulcerative pain in nostrils; loss of smell; obstructed, stuffy feeling; constant and unavailing efforts to blow it out; worse in morning, better in open air.
  • Especially adapted to fat and sluggish patients having respiratory troubles, cough and catarrh; profuse, glairy secretion.
  • Tough, viscid phlegm, can not be hawked up; hoarseness and burning in larynx; dry, hacking, scraping cough; worse lying on back or right side.
  • Diarrhea, vomiting and discharge from the bowels during menses; stool hard, crumbling and difficult to expel; menses too early, too profuse, dark, clotted, flow more at night; painful hemorrhoids after suppressed leucorrhea.
  • Offensive foot-sweat.

APIS MELLIFICA (Poison of the honey bee)

  • Coldness of tip of nose; marked edematous swelling of the nasal mucosa; polyps.
  • Adapted to the strumous constitution; glands enlarged, indurated; weeping disposition, can not help crying, discouraged, despondent.
  • Extreme sensitiveness to touch; pain burning, stinging, sore; suddenly migrating from one part to another.
  • Thirstlessness; craving for milk.
  • Edema with bag-like puffy swelling under the eyes.
  • Aggravation after sleeping, closed, especially warm and heated rooms are intolerable; worse from getting wet, heat in any form, touch, pressure, right side.
  • Amelioration from washing or moistening the part in cold water, in open air, uncovering.

ARUNDO (Reed)

  • Hay fever, begins with burning and itching of palate and conjunctiva; annoying itching in the nostrils and roof of the mouth; coryza and sneezing; loss of smell.
  • Craving for acids.
  • Copious and offensive sweat of feet with burning sensation; fissures in fingers and heels.
  • Menses too early and profuse.

ARUM MACULATUM / TRIPHYLLUM (Turnip)

  • Soreness of nostrils; acrid, excoriating nasal discharge; nose obstructed, must breathe through mouth; constant picking at nose until bleeds; boring with the finger into nose.
  • Raw feeling at roof and palate of mouth; corners of mouth sore and cracked; tongue red, sore; pick lips until they bleed; children refuse food and drink on account of soreness of mouth and throat.
  • Hoarseness; raw, burning sensation; after exposure to north-west wind.

CADMIUM SULPH (Cadmic Sulphate)

  • Polypus with tightness at the root of nose; nostrils ulcerated; nose obstructed, causes obstructive sleep apnea, wakes up suffocating, fears to go to sleep again, protracted insomnia.
  • Extreme chilliness and coldness, even when near the fire.
  • Gastric malignancy – exhaustion and extreme prostration, violent and persistent nausea, retching, vomitus black or coffee ground; black, offensive clots of blood from bowels with colic.

CALCAREA CARBONICA/OSTREARUM (Carbonate of Lime / Oyster Shell)

  • Dry, nostrils sore, ulcerated; stoppage of nose, also with fetid, yellow discharge; offensive odor in nose; loss of smell; polypi, especially on left side, bleeds easily; swelling at root of nose; takes cold at every change of weather; worse in cold, wet weather; better in dry weather; complaints arising from standing on cold floor.
  • Leucophlegmatic, light complexion, fair skin; tendency to obesity; psoric constitutions; pale, weak, timid, easily tired when walking; cold natured, extremely chilly; delayed milestones of development and bony deformities; forgetful, apprehensive, fears loss of reason.
  • Head sweats profusely while sleeping, wetting pillow far around; profuse perspiration, mostly on back of head and neck, or chest and upper part of body.
  • Great longing for boiled eggs; craves cold drinks, indigestible things, sweets and salt; aversion to meat.
  • Hyperacidity; sour eructation, sour vomiting, sour stool; sour odor of the whole body.
  • Menstruation too early, too profuse, too long lasting; aggravation from least mental excitement.
  • Constipated; stool has to be removed mechanically; feels better when constipated.

CASTOREUM (The Beaver)

  • Large nasal polyps causing chronic mouth breathing and obstructive sleep dyspnea; restless sleep with frightful dreams and starts.
  • Hysteria with marked prostration; day-blindness and photophobia; debilitating sweat; constant yawning.
  • Rounded elevation of the size of a pea in the center of the tongue with drawing sensation from center to the hyoid bone.
  • Amenorrhea with painful tympanitis.

CAUSTICUM

  • Right sided polyps, arising after injuries to nostril; coryza with hoarseness and aphonia; rawness or soreness of nostrils; worse in morning.
  • Melancholic, sad, hopeless, extremely sympathetic; complaints arising after severe mental shock, long-lasting grief, sorrow, fear, anger or suppressed eruption.
  • Constipation – frequent, but ineffectual desire; stool passes better when standing.
  • Urine involuntary on coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose.
  • Cough with rawness and soreness of chest; difficult expectoration; relieved by swallowing cold water.
  • Menses delayed, late; flow only during day, ceases on lying down.
  • Paralysis of single parts; generally of right side; from exposure to cold wind, after typhoid or diphtheria.
  • Warts large, jagged, pedunculated, or small, whitish, all over the body.
  • Aggravation in clear, fine weather, from getting wet, drafts of air; better in damp, wet weather.

CONIUM MACULATUM (Poison Hemlock)

  • Swelling of the nostrils, red, hot, painful; worse left side; purulent discharge from the nose; nosebleed, frequent when sneezing; increased acuteness of smell; obstinate stoppage of the nostrils.
  • Especially adapted to old people, women during and after menopause, old bachelors; cancerous or scrofulous persons with enlarged glands, rigid fibers and sedentary lifestyles; suffering from bad effects of non-gratified sexual desire or suppressed menses.
  • Domineering, quarrelsome, can not bear contradiction; dreads being alone, yet avoids society.
  • Glandular indurations of stony hardness; after bruises or injuries to glands; mastitis before and during menses.
  • Menses feeble and suppressed; rash of small, red pimples which ceases with the flow; menses stopped by taking cold; profuse, thick, acrid, milky leucorrhea after menses.
  • Profuse sweat; especially when lying down.
  • Aggravation: lying down, celibacy, before and during menses, from taking cold, bodily or mental exertion.
  • Amelioration: while fasting, in the dark, motion and pressure.

FORMICA RUFA (Crushed Live Ants)

  • Nasal polypi with coryza; a stopped up feeling in nose.
  • Gout and articular rheumatism – chiefly right sided and of lower extremities; pain worse from motion and better from pressure, rubbing and after midnight; attack comes on with suddenness and restlessness.
  • Nettle rash – redness, itching and burning; aggravates from cold, cold washing and damp; better from warmth.
  • Difficult passage of small quantities of flatus in the morning; afterwards diarrhea-like urging; drawing pain around the navel before stool with shuddering chilliness.

GRAPHITES (Black Lead / Amorphous Carbon)

  • Sore on blowing nose; smell abnormally acute; cannot tolerate flowers; chronic dryness and scabs alternating with discharge of fetid mucus; stuffed coryza leads to headache.
  • Suited to climacteric women, inclined to obesity, who suffer from habitual constipation; tendency to catch cold easily; with a history of delayed menstruation and hypomenorrhea; suffering from acrid and profuse leucorrhea occurring in gushes, before and after menses.
  • Excessive cautiousness, indecisive; fidgety while sitting at work.
  • Unhealthy skin; every little injury suppurates; hard cicatrices; eruption between fingers and toes from which oozes a watery, transparent, sticky fluid.
  • Nails are brittle, crumbling, deformed; deep fissures in ends of fingers and between the toes.
  • Hot drinks disagree, especially milk; aversion to meat and sweets; increased flatulence, must loosen clothing.
  • Worse from warmth, at night, during and after menstruation; better in the dark, from wrapping up.

KALI BICHROMICUM (Potassium Bichromate)

  • Snuffles of children, especially fat, chubby babies; pressure and pain at root of nose, and sticking pain in nose; fetid smell; discharge thick, ropy, and greenish-yellow; tough, elastic plugs from nose, adheres to the parts and can be drawn into long strings; leaves a raw surface; dropping from posterior nares; loss of smell; inability to breathe through nose; violent sneezing.
  • Complaints occurring in hot weather; liability to take cold in open air; pains in small spots, can be covered with point of finger; shift rapidly from one part to another; appear and disappear suddenly.
  • Tongue mapped, red, shining; uvula swollen, edematous.
  • After urinating a drop seems to remain which can not be expelled.
  • Aggravation: beer, morning, hot weather, undressing; amelioration: from heat.

KALI NITRICUM (Saltpeter)

  • Sneezing, violent coryza, obstructed and swollen feeling in nose; worse right nostril; aggravation towards morning and in afternoon; loss of smell; point red and itching.
  • The nasal and cheek bones are painful, especially to touch; frontal headache with sinusitis.
  • Diarrhea from eating veal.
  • Menses too early, profuse, black; preceded and accompanied by violent backache.
  • Dry morning cough with pain chest and bloody expectoration; dyspnea so great that breath can not be held long enough to drink, though thirsty; better from drinking sips of water.

LEMNA MINOR (Duckweed)

  • Nasal polypi with swollen turbinates; post-nasal drip; abundant crusts and mucopurulent discharge; pain like a string from nostrils to ears; difficult breathing, worse in damp, rainy weather.
  • Foul smell from the nose and foul taste in the morning on waking.
  • Dryness of pharynx and larynx.
  • Disposition to noisy diarrhea.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM (Club Moss / Wolf’s Claw)

  • Sense of smell very acute; ulcerated nostrils; crusts and elastic plugs; fluent coryza; nose stopped up; snuffles; child starts from sleep rubbing nose; fan-like motion of alae nasi.
  • For persons intellectually keen, but physically weak; upper part of body emaciated, lower part semi-dropsical; children weak, emaciated, with well-developed head and puny, sickly bodies.
  • Avarice, greedy, misery, malicious, pusillanimous; irritable, peevish and cross; can not endure opposition; seeks disputes; weeping disposition, even cries when thanked.
  • Sour taste, eructation and vomiting; canine hunger, head aches if he does not eat, but a few mouthfuls fill up to the throat, constant sensation of satiety; excessive bloating and flatulence, loud grumbling; fullness not relieved by belching.
  • Constipation: since puberty; since last confinement; when away from home; of infants; with ineffectual urging; rectum contracts and protrudes during stool, developing piles.
  • Impotence: penis small, cold, relaxed; premature emission; of young men, from sexual excess; old men with strong desire, but imperfect erections.
  • Aggravation: right side, from right to left, from above downward, 4 to 8 p.m.; from heat or warm room, hot air, bed; warm applications, except throat and stomach which are better from warm drinks.
  • Amelioration: By motion, after midnight, from warm food and drink, on getting cold, from being uncovered.

MERCURIUS IODATUS RUBER (Bin-iodide of Mercury)

  • Coryza and dull hearing; hawks mucus from posterior nares; polyps with swollen turbinates; closure of eustachian tube; aggravation after sleep, after dinner, afternoon and evening.
  • Fauces dark red, swollen, painful swallowing; sensation of a lump in throat; left sided tonsilitis.
  • Past history or family history of syphilitic affection; especially left sided.

NATRUM MURIATICUM (Common Salt / Sodium Chloride)

  • Violent, fluent coryza, lasting from one to three days, and then changing into stoppage of nose, making breathing difficult; discharge thin, watery mucus from nose; like raw white of egg; loss of smell and taste.
  • Great emaciation, anemic and cachectic, losing flesh while living well; emaciation marked in neck; slow in learning to walk; face oily, shiny, as if greased.
  • Cross and irritable, aggravation from consolation; awkward, drops things from hand; weeping disposition; suppressive, introvert.
  • Left-sided migraine of school-going girls from sun-heat.
  • Craving for extra salt, bitter and fish; great aversion to bread.
  • Tongue mapped, imprint of teeth.
  • Constipation: dry, hard, difficult stool.
  • Involuntary urination on coughing, laughing or walking; has to wait a long in presence of others.
  • Aggravation: noise, music, warm room, lying down, 10 a.m., at seashore, mental exertion, consolation, heat, talking.
  • Amelioration: open air, cold bathing, going without regular meals, tight clothing.

NITRICUM ACIDUM (Nitric Acid)

  • Green casts from nose every morning; coryza, with sore and bleeding nostrils; stitches, as of a splinter in nose; chronic nasal catarrh with yellow, offensive, corrosive discharge.
  • Acts best on persons of rigid fiber, dark complexion, black hair and eyes, nervous temperament.
  • Irritable, headstrong; hateful and vindictive; inveterate, ill-willed, unmoved by apologies.
  • Tongue clean, red and wet with central furrow; ulcers in mouth with splinter-like pain.
  • Longing for indigestible things, salt and fatty foods; aversion to meat.
  • Urine scanty, dark brown, strong-smelling.
  • Anal fissure; tearing, lancinating pain; lasting for hours even after soft stool.
  • Bleeding ulcers in corners of mouth; splinter-like pain, zigzag edges, base like raw flesh; thin, acrid, offensive discharge.
  • Large, jagged, pedunculated warts; bleeds on washing, moist oozing.

PHOSPHORUS

  • Polypi; bleeding easily; quite effective in controlling post-operative hemorrhage; chronic catarrh, with small hemorrhages; handkerchief is always bloody; epistaxis instead of menses; over-sensitiveness to smell; foul imaginary odors; fan-like motion of nostrils.
  • Young, tall, slender persons of sanguine temperament; fair skin, delicate eyelashes; anemic or chlorotic; hemorrhagic diathesis, small wounds bleed profusely; great weakness and prostration from loss of vital fluids.
  • Restless, fidgety, can not sit or stand still a moment; apathetic, full of gloomy forebodings.
  • Weak, empty, all-gone sensation in stomach; great craving for icy-cold food and drink, ice-cream; as soon as water becomes warm in stomach, it is vomited.
  • Aggravation: weather changes, before midnight; amelioration: dark, icy cold food and drinks.

SANGUINARIA (Blood Root)

  • Nasal polyp, mostly right sided; profuse, offensive, yellowish discharge; membranes dry and congested; sudden stopping of catarrh causes diarrhea; cough of gastric origin.
  • Climacteric complaints – burning sensation, like from hot water, in various parts, flushes of heat, leucorrhea, mastitis.
  • Circumscribed redness and burning of cheeks.
  • Periodic sick headache; begins in the morning, increases during day, lasts until evening; sensation as if head would burst or as if eyes would be pressed out; pain begins in occiput, spreads upward and settles over right eye; better from sleeping and perfect quiet in dark room.
  • Facial eruption of young women, especially during scanty menses.
  • Craving for pungent things; unquenchable thirst.
  • Rheumatism of right arm and right shoulder; worse at night.

SANGUINARIA NITRICUM

  • Polyps causing obstruction of nose; profuse watery mucus with burning pain; enlarged turbinates; small crusts which bleed when removed; post-nasal drip adherent to nasopharynx, dislodged with difficulty.
  • Dry, constricted, burning sensation in throat; right tonsil sore, swallowing difficult.
  • Ulceration on the sides of tongue.
  • Short, hacking, tickling, chronic cough; voice altered, deep, hoarse.

STICTA PULMONARIA (Lungwort)

  • Polyps with rhinorrhea and incessant sneezing; catarrhal headache with fullness at root of nose; dryness of nasal mucosa; constant need to blow the nose, but no discharge; post-nasal drip.
  • Dry, hacking cough during night and loose cough in morning; cough aggravates towards evening and when tired.
  • Rheumatic stiffness of neck and shoulder joints; housemaid’s knee; rheumatic pain precedes catarrhal symptoms; pain starts at night and worse from sudden change of temperature, better during daytime.

TEUCRIUM MARUM VERUM (Cat-thyme)

  • Polyps of children; suitable after too much medicine has been taken.
  • Chronic nasal catarrh; loss of sense of smell; discharge of large irregular clinkers; crawling in nostrils; lachrymation and sneezing; post-nasal drip.
  • Stoppage of breathing on that side of nose on which one is sleeping.
  • Itching of anus, constant irritation when in bed; ascarides with nightly restlessness; crawling in rectum after stool.

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS (Arbor Vitae / White Cedar / Tree of Life)

  • Polyps with offensive, thick, greenish discharge; loss of smell; bleeds easily; dryness and ulceration within the nostrils; painful pressure at root of nose.
  • Commonly indicated in wasted children of sycotic parents; lymphatic temperament, fleshy persons, dark complexion, black hair, unhealthy skin; hydrogenoid constitution.
  • Very slow to trust others, unusual secretiveness, reserved, deceitful; dullness and forgetfulness, gradually progressing to deep despondence and dissatisfaction; fixed ideas; sensation as if someone is walking alongside him; music causes weeping.
  • Overgrowths of tissue; hard tumors, ranula, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts; cauliflower-like, large, pedunculated warts; deformed, brittle nails; skin looks dirty, brownish spots here and there.
  • Sweat profuse, sour smelling, fetid; only on uncovered parts or all over except head; when he sleeps, stops when he wakes.
  • Sensation as of urine trickling in urethra after urinating; severe cutting pain at close of urination.
  • Feels relieved from unusual discharges.
  • Obstinate constipation; stool recedes after being partly expelled; piles swollen; severe pain when sitting.
  • Early morning diarrhea; expelled forcibly with much flatus; worse after breakfast, onions, coffee, fat food.

Other Useful Medicines at a Glance:

Alumina, Belladonna, Calcarea Iod, Calcarea Phos, Capsicum, Carb Sulph, Cortisone, Hecla Lava, Hepar Sulph, Hydrastis Can, Mercurius, Merc Cor, Psorinum, Pulsatilla, Sepia, Silicea, Staphysagria, Sulphur etc.

 

Conclusion:

Often nasal polyp is considered as a surgical disease and is referred to surgeons without any medicinal treatment. But it should be kept in mind that no disease can be tagged as ‘surgical’ or ‘medicinal’. It is the state of the disease which should determine whether medicines would suffice or surgical intervention is necessary. So it completely depends on the homeopathic physician to judge the disease state and take subsequent measures. The patient’s vitality status, degree of sensitivity, reversibility of the pathologic alterations, determination of disease prognosis through miasmatic analysis, the twelve observations of Kent etc. are some of the important standards which may help the physician to understand the disease state of the individual. Even if the patient is referred to surgery, post-operative homeopathic treatment is mandatory to prevent the recurrence by correcting the diseased constitution. In many instances, being ignorant of the domain of medicinal efficacy, the physicians miss opportunities and bring discredit upon themselves. On the other hand, a few misguided enthusiasts attempt the impossible and thus bring ridicule upon themselves. “One believes too much, the other too little”. While dealing with cases of nasal polyps, only prudent decisions in this regard can help us to accomplish our ‘high and only mission’, i.e. to cure.

References:

  • Fundamentals of ENT & Head-Neck Surgery / Dr. Shyamal Kr. De / 9th Indian edition, 2007 / The New Book Stall, Kolkata, India
  • SYNTHESIS: Repertorium Homeopathicum Syntheticum / Dr. Frederik Schroyens / edition 8.1 / Jan2005 / B. Jain Publisher’s (P) Ltd, New Delhi / Copyright ©2001, Homeopathic Book Publishers and Archibel S. A.
  • Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory; 3rd Indian edition from American 9th edition; Dr. William Boericke; Roy Publishing House, Kolkata
  • Keynotes & Characteristics of the Materia Medica, 2002; Dr. H.C.Allen; Medical Book Suppliers, Kolkata
  • Essence of Materia Medica / Dr. George Vithoulkas / 2nd edition (1990); reprint (2008) / Copyright© B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.
  • “Nosing Around: Dealing with Nasal Polyps” – Dr. Peter Spafford / The Canadian Journal of CME / Sept2002 / page 149-152

About the author

Subhranil Saha

DR. SUBHRANIL SAHA, B.H.M.S. Hons. (C.U.) graduated in Homeopathy (B.H.M.S.) from Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, India under the University of Calcutta with honors in Anatomy & Pathology and highest grades in Anatomy, Pathology, Surgery, Practice of Medicine, Materia Medica & Repertory. He has been practicing the last 5 years. In addition to the polychrests, he emphasizes the use of rare medicines to discover their essences. He is also holds diplomas in HIV, Yoga & Physiotherapy, Counseling, Nutritition and Child Care.

5 Comments

  • Excellent Subhranil Saha. Good work you have given everything from the base.
    Everyday million of members search for nose related problem. This is the best place to know everything.

  • A thorough study and description.Professionally very helpful to treat a disease that defies common attempts to cure.Even surgery is not always beneficial. Goodluck and Godbless

  • U have given a long list of meds. it would have been better if you would repertorised it systematic way. Two important medicine you have forgotten to include without which you can not give a permanent cure to any nasal polyp that are the nosode CARCINOCIN and CIRRHINUM

  • Hi Subhranil,

    If a patient has got approx 2″ long polyp, do you still believe that it can be cured by Homeopathy medicines?

    Rgds,
    Vikas

  • 1. an excellent article on nasal polyps.
    2. please give some information about the role of Tuberculinum, Bacillinum, Medorrhinum, Calcarea iodide, Kali iodide, Sulphur and Carcinocin in the treatment of polyps.
    Thanks!
    Dr.Saif(Allopath & Homeopath)