What Are Nasal Polyps? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths in the nose and sinuses. Small polyps may not cause symptoms. In other cases, nasal polyps may cause congestion and other issues, so they need to be removed.

Doctors do not fully understand why nasal polyps develop. However, nasal polyps often form alongside a sinus infection or chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). CRS refers to long-term sinus inflammation.

Talk with a doctor if you have any persistent respiratory symptoms, such as nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through your nose.

This article explains nasal polyps, including their symptoms, causes, treatment, and outlook.

Nasal polyps are soft, fleshy growths in the mucus membranes of your nose and sinuses. The mucus membranes are the moist inner lining of the nose, mouth, and stomach.

Nasal polyps develop on both sides of the nose or sinuses. Some polyps are very small and do not cause symptoms. Some people with small polyps may not even realize they have them. In other cases, polyps are large or numerous and cause symptoms.

Having a few small polyps may not cause symptoms, and they don’t cause pain. However, symptoms are more likely if you have large or multiple polyps.

Nasal polyp symptoms may include:

• nasal or facial congestion or stuffiness
• nasal blockage
• pressure or pain in the area around the nose
• headache
• loss of smell or taste
• runny nose
• frequent sinus infections
• difficulty breathing through your nose

Some respiratory symptoms are a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency services for any of the following symptoms:

• difficulty breathing through your nose or mouth
• difficulty tipping your head forehead
• severe or sudden headache
• severe headache with a high fever
• vision changes or problems, such as double vision.

Experts believe nasal polyps may be the result of long-term inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose and mouth. However, the exact reason this occurs is unknown.

Though nasal polyps often appear with CRS, not everyone with CRS develops them. Around 20% of people with CRS will develop nasal polyps.

Learn more about chronic rhinosinusitis, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Studies suggest people with nasal polyps may have an altered immune reaction and high levels of eosinophils. Eosinophils are white blood cells that play a role in allergic responses.

Some factors can irritate your sinuses and nasal passages, worsening symptoms. These triggers can include:

• tobacco smoke
• fragrances, such as incense
• chemical fumes
• aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Ibu, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan)
• dust or debris

Some conditions increase the likelihood of developing nasal polyps, including:

• allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, an allergic reaction to airborne fungi
• allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever
• asthma
• Churg-Strauss syndrome
• cystic fibrosis (CF)

Read more about the link between asthma and nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps are also more common in people during their 30s and 40s.

Though you may not be able to prevent nasal polyps, reducing your risk or preventing their return may involve:

• asking your doctor about maintenance nasal sprays and at-home care
• managing underlying conditions
• avoiding exposure to your personal allergens and irritants

Nasal polyps frequently recur. If you’ve had treatment for nasal polyps, a doctor can advise on how to prevent their return.

A health professional will ask about your medical history and symptoms. Your doctor will need to know whether you have hay fever, asthma, or a related condition.

Doctors may be able to see nasal polyps by examining the nasal passages with a nasal endoscope. This small tool has a camera that allows physicians to see inside the nasal cavities.

In some cases, doctors may recommend a CT scan to gauge the extent of the nasal polyps.

Treatment aims to remove or shrink nasal polyps and relieve symptoms. Treatment for nasal polyps can vary slightly, depending on:

• the size or severity of your nasal polyps
• the underlying condition or cause
• the treatments you’ve had before

Possible treatments include:

• Nasal irrigation: This involves rinsing your nasal passages to improve congestion. Use only boiled and cooled water, saline solution, or sterile water. Irrigation with unsterile fluids can cause severe infections.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid nasal sprays or pills can help nasal polyps if you have CRS. Corticosteroids may reduce congestion and polyp size.
• Nasal implants: If polyps return after surgery, doctors may place a small temporary implant in your nasal passage that slowly releases corticosteroids.
• Monoclonal antibodies: These are injected medications that can reduce polyp size and symptoms with severe CRS. Examples include dupilumab (Dupixent) and omalizumab (Xolair).
• Other medications: Doctors may prescribe other medications depending on whether you have underlying conditions linked to nasal polyps. For example, antihistamines may help with allergic rhinitis.
• Surgery: Your medical team may recommend surgery if you have large nasal polyps or severe symptoms, and other treatments have not helped. Doctors will use anesthetics and special tools to clear away the polyps.

Learn more about removing nasal polyps surgically and nonsurgically.

Sometimes, nasal polyps return. You may need repeat care or maintenance treatment with steroids or other medications.

Without treatment, nasal polyps are likely to persist or grow bigger. In some cases, they may grow large enough to block your nasal passages and obstruct breathing.

The outlook and complications of nasal polyps depend on your underlying condition.

Treatment can shrink nasal polyps and improve symptoms. However, because nasal polyps can come back, you may need to continue taking precautions, such as:

• doing regular nasal irrigation
• avoiding triggers and allergens
• taking maintenance medications

Some possible complications include:

• worse sleep
• fatigue
• injury to the eye sockets, leading to bulging eyes, double vision, and cosmetic concerns
• eye injury
• reduced quality of life
• permanent loss of smell
• possibly obstructive sleep apnea, although more research is needed to confirm this
• side effects or allergic reactions to treatment medications
• surgical complications, such as:
  • unsuccessful surgery
  • infection, bleeding, or damage from surgery
  • cerebrospinal fluid leak — the fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord leaks

Nasal polyps are fleshy growths in your sinuses and nasal passages. They are noncancerous but can obstruct breathing and reduce quality of life.

Nasal polyp symptoms include nasal congestion, pressure in the face, and impaired sense of smell.

Corticosteroid medications and surgery can help shrink or remove nasal polyps.

A medical professional can offer recommendations if you have questions about nasal polyps or are experiencing symptoms.