Nasal Polyps Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that form on the lining of the nose or sinuses and can cause congestion, reduced smell, and breathing troubles. Learn what raises your risk, how polyps are diagnosed, and the medical and surgical options to manage and reduce recurrence.
Nasal Polyps Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Nasal polyps are benign, teardrop-shaped swellings that develop on the mucous membrane lining the nasal passages and sinuses. They are typically soft and painless, yet when they grow or cluster they can obstruct airflow, diminish the sense of smell, and contribute to chronic sinus issues. Many people do not notice small polyps until symptoms become bothersome or persistent.
What causes nasal polyps and who is at higher risk?
The precise origin of nasal polyps remains unclear, but inflammation of the nasal and sinus mucosa plays a central role. A mix of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers likely contributes to their formation. Chronic inflammatory conditions such as long-standing sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma increase the likelihood of developing polyps. Certain inherited disorders, notably cystic fibrosis, also raise the risk and tend to produce polyps at an earlier age.
Immune system responses that produce prolonged swelling and tissue remodeling are thought to be involved. Repeated infections, airborne irritants, and persistent allergic reactions can maintain inflammation and create an environment where polyps form and expand.
Common symptoms to watch for
Symptoms vary depending on polyp size, number, and location. Small growths can be asymptomatic, but larger or multiple polyps often cause a cluster of nasal and sinus complaints, including:
- Persistent nasal congestion or a feeling of blockage
- A chronically runny nose
- Reduced or lost sense of smell (hyposmia or anosmia) and sometimes taste changes
- Postnasal drip and throat clearing
- Facial pressure or a sense of fullness around the sinuses
- Headaches related to sinus pressure
- Snoring or disrupted sleep; in severe cases, obstructive sleep apnea can occur
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
If symptoms worsen over time or do not respond to usual cold remedies, it may indicate polyps or another underlying condition that needs evaluation.
How nasal polyps are identified
Diagnosis begins with a medical history and a physical exam focused on the nose and sinuses. An ENT specialist often uses a nasal endoscope — a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera — to inspect the nasal passages directly and confirm the presence of polyps.
Imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRI, help determine the size, number, and location of polyps, and reveal the degree of sinus involvement. These tests are useful when planning treatment, especially if surgery is under consideration.
Allergy testing or evaluations for asthma and cystic fibrosis may be appropriate when a physician suspects those conditions are contributing factors.
Treatment approaches: medical and surgical options
Treatment goals are to reduce inflammation, shrink or remove polyps, relieve symptoms, and prevent recurrences. The choice of therapy depends on polyp severity, related health conditions, and response to prior treatments.
| Treatment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid nasal sprays | Reduce local inflammation and shrink polyps | Often first-line; daily use may be recommended long-term |
| Short-course oral corticosteroids | Rapidly reduce large or symptomatic polyps | Effective but limited by systemic side effects with prolonged use |
| Nasal saline irrigation | Clear mucus, reduce irritation, support healing | Safe daily adjunct therapy |
| Antihistamines or leukotriene modifiers | Control allergic or inflammatory triggers | Helpful when allergies or asthma coexist |
| Endoscopic sinus surgery | Remove obstructive polyps and improve sinus drainage | Considered when medical therapy fails or in severe cases |
Topical corticosteroid nasal sprays are typically the initial treatment and can shrink many polyps over weeks to months. For larger or rapidly worsening polyps, a short course of oral corticosteroids may be prescribed to quickly reduce swelling, though long-term systemic steroids carry risks and are generally avoided.
Saline rinses help remove irritants and mucus and support the effectiveness of topical medications. For patients whose polyps are driven by allergies or asthma, antihistamines, allergy immunotherapy, or leukotriene modifiers may reduce inflammation and lower the chance of polyp growth.
When conservative measures are insufficient, functional endoscopic sinus surgery can remove polyps, clear blocked sinus openings, and restore airflow. Surgery is not curative for everyone: because underlying inflammation persists, recurrence is possible, and many patients require continued medical management after the procedure.
Preventing recurrence and reducing risk
Complete prevention of nasal polyps is not always achievable, but steps that lower chronic nasal inflammation can reduce the risk of formation or recurrence:
- Treat allergies and asthma effectively with the guidance of a healthcare provider
- Minimize exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, pollution, and chemical fumes
- Practice good hand hygiene and avoid close contact with people who have upper respiratory infections
- Use a humidifier in dry environments to keep nasal tissues moist
- Adhere to the maintenance treatments prescribed after surgery or when polyps are present, including regular use of nasal corticosteroids or saline rinses
When to seek medical care
Consult a healthcare professional if you have nasal congestion, breathing difficulty through the nose, or reduced smell that persists for several weeks despite home care. Immediate attention is needed for sudden severe headache, vision changes, or swelling around the eyes, as these could signal complications.
Early assessment and treatment help control symptoms, reduce the risk of complications like chronic sinusitis or sleep-disordered breathing, and improve quality of life.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
