Capsaicin Significantly Reduces Sinonasal Polyps

Abstract

Some reports indicate that topical nasal treatment with capsaicin, which is usually effective in reducing symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis, may also reduce symptoms in patients with nasal polyps. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of topical capsaicin treatment in severe sinonasal polyposis. Nine non-allergic, non-asthmatic patients with diffuse eosinophilic nasal polyposis were subjected to topical capsaicin treatment: for 3 consecutive days 0.5 ml 30 micromol/l capsaicin solution and on days 4 and 5 100 micromol/l capsaicin solution was sprayed into each nostril. Coronary computed tomography (CT) images were made shortly before treatment. Baseline nasal lavages and a questionnaire containing subjective symptoms and nasal endosocpy were taken just prior to the first application. Nasal lavages were performed prior to and after the last treatment and over 4 weeks, endoscopy and subjective scores at each weekly visit, and correspondent CT scans 4 weeks after the treatment. CT images were analysed by computer, calculating the nose sinuses air volume (NSAV) from the surface of aerated parts of nasal and sinus cavities for each slice per patient prior to and after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed comparing NSAV, subjective scores, endoscopy scores and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in nasal lavages prior to and after treatment. Topical treatment with capsaicin significantly increased NSAV and very significantly improved subjective and endoscopy scores, but did not significantly alter ECP levels in nasal lavages.

A study on Histomorphological Spectrum of Nasal Polyp

“…These lesions are often quite impossible to distinguish clinically and are labelled as nasal polyp. [7] Histopathological examination of such polypoidal masses show a spectrum of lesions ranging from nonneoplastic ones to neoplastic tumors including benign and malignant neoplasms. [8] The true nasal polyps are the tumor like nonneoplastic polypoidal masses arising from nasal cavity and sinuses.…”

A review of nasal polyposis

“…Leukotriene receptor antagonists have recently been shown to be effective (Kieff et al 2005), but larger scale trials are required to prove their efficacy. Topical capsaicin has also been shown to be effective, but side-effects including burning of the nasal mucosa limit its acceptability to patients (Baudoin et al 2000). There is little evidence to advocate the usage of other treatments including frusemide and interferon-alpha2a and neither of these is available in routine medical practice (Bateman et al 2003).…”

Anti-inflammatory treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis: A shifting paradigm

“…Local application of capsaicin resulted in significant improvement in symptoms and reduction in polyp size in 10 patients with vasomotor rhinitis [56]. In a small study of nine patients with diffuse chronic rhinosinusitis and polyposis, high-dose capsaicin solution was administered as a spray for 3 consecutive days [57]. A significant increase in the air volume of the sinonasal cavity as assessed by CT scan was seen, as well as marked improvement in symptom and endoscopy scores.…”