Nasal Polyps: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that grow from the lining of the nose or the surrounding sinuses due to chronic inflammation in this lining. These growths hang like small grapes, may be single or multiple, and small without symptoms or large blocking the nasal passage. It is a relatively common condition, especially in adults, and is closely associated with chronic inflammatory conditions of the nose and sinuses.

Nasal polyps arise from chronic inflammation in the lining of the nose and sinuses, so they are often associated with conditions such as chronic sinusitis, allergy, asthma, and sensitivity to some medications. Symptoms depend on the size and number of the polyps, foremost: persistent nasal blockage that does not improve (a constant feeling that the nose is blocked), reduced or lost sense of smell and taste (among the most bothersome symptoms), a runny nose or postnasal drip, headache or facial pressure, mouth breathing and snoring, and recurrent sinus infections. It is important that any chronic one-sided nasal blockage or bleeding requires evaluation to confirm the nature of the growth and exclude other causes.

Nasal polyps are diagnosed by nasal examination (sometimes with an endoscope) and sometimes a CT scan to assess their extent in the sinuses. Treatment aims to shrink the polyps, relieve symptoms, and control the underlying chronic inflammation. It often begins with medications, foremost nasal corticosteroid sprays (anti-inflammatory) used regularly to shrink the polyps and prevent their growth, and sometimes oral corticosteroids for a short period in more severe cases, along with treating the accompanying allergy and inflammation. Large polyps that block the nose and do not respond to medications may need endoscopic surgery to remove them. It is important to know that nasal polyps tend to recur even after successful treatment or surgery, so continuous control of inflammation (using the sprays regularly and treating allergy) and doctor follow-up are an essential part of their long-term management.

• Persistent nasal blockage that does not improve.
• Reduced or lost sense of smell and taste.
• A runny nose or postnasal drip, headache, and facial pressure.
• Mouth breathing, snoring, and recurrent sinus infections.

• Chronic inflammation in the lining of the nose and sinuses.
• Association with chronic sinusitis, allergy, and asthma.
• Sensitivity to some medications in some patients.

• Nasal examination (sometimes with an endoscope).
• A CT scan to assess the extent of the polyps in the sinuses.
• Evaluating any one-sided blockage or bleeding to exclude other causes.

Medications (the basis)

• Nasal corticosteroid sprays regularly to shrink the polyps and prevent their growth.
• Oral corticosteroids for a short period in more severe cases, and treating the accompanying allergy.

Surgery

• Endoscopic removal of large polyps that block the nose and do not respond to medications.

Follow-up

• Continuous control of inflammation because polyps tend to recur.

This content is educational and does not replace consulting an ENT specialist.

• Recurrent sinus infections and effects on breathing and sleep.
• Loss of sense of smell that may last.
• Recurrence of polyps after treatment or surgery.

• Controlling allergy, asthma, and chronic sinusitis.
• Using corticosteroid sprays regularly with the doctor's guidance to prevent recurrence.
• Avoiding nasal irritants and regular follow-up.