Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop in your nose or sinuses.
Asthma and nasal polyps link in many ways. You may notice that symptoms of one condition irritate the other.
Talk with a doctor if you notice any new or persistent respiratory symptoms, especially if you have asthma.
Read on to learn more about how nasal polyps and asthma link, and how they may affect your health.
What is the connection between asthma and nasal polyps?
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Asthma can raise the risk of nasal polyps forming.
Researchers have not yet found the exact cause of nasal polyps. However, experts believe the chronic inflammation asthma causes in the airways and sinuses may lead to nasal polyps.
Having nasal polyps may also make already-present asthma symptoms worse by:
- blocking your nasal passages, making breathing more challenging
- trapping allergens and irritants in the nose, such as pollen and dust, increasing inflammation
Read more about nasal polyps and asthma, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Complications of asthma and nasal polyps
In many cases, nasal polyps are small and do not cause significant symptoms.
However, some people may experience irritating symptoms or more serious complications. People with asthma may also have a higher risk of problems with nasal polyps, such as asthma attacks.
Apart from worse asthma, complications of nasal polyps can include:
- chronic fatigue
- sleep problems
- reduced smell
- lesions called mucoceles forming in your nasal sinuses
- nasal bleeding
While asthma can increase the risk of nasal polyps forming, untreated asthma and asthma treatments can also increase the risk of complications such as:
- reduced lung function
- respiratory infections
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- sleep disorders and obstructive sleep apnea
- peptic ulcers
- eye health issues, such as glaucoma or cataracts
- respiratory failure
- heart failure
People with nasal polyps and asthma may also experience aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). This is when you have breathing difficulties and worse symptoms after taking:
- aspirin (Ascriptin, Bayer, Halfprin)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as:
- ibuprofen (Advil, Midol, Motrin)
- naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan)
AERD may affect around 9% of adults and 30% of people with nasal polyps and asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Doctors do not yet know what causes AERD. However, AERD usually develops suddenly during adulthood, especially in people between 20 and 50 years old.
Learn more about AERD and how these medications affect asthma.
Early and effective treatment for asthma and nasal polyps can improve your outcome and reduce the chances of complications.
Contact a doctor if you have asthma and notice any new or persistent respiratory symptoms.
Talk with your medical team if you have an asthma treatment plan and your treatment has not improved your symptoms.
Depending on your symptoms and their severity, your doctor may refer you to an allergist, pulmonologist, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Specialists can determine the size of polyps and help identify asthma triggers.
Treatment for asthma and nasal polyps
Your medical team may recommend specific treatments to address your asthma or nasal polyps separately. This may still indirectly improve the other condition.
For example, improving your asthma management may decrease the risk of nasal polyps returning.
Doctors may also prescribe medications such as:
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays: These are sprays that can improve symptoms by reducing inflammation. They also relieve asthma symptoms for some people. However, corticosteroid sprays may be less effective for larger polyps and can cause further irritation in some cases.
- Fluticasone breath-powered device (Xhance): This delivers medication deep into your nose to treat nasal polyps.
- Biologics: Biologics are injectable medications typically used for asthma. However, research suggests they may also improve nasal polyps alongside asthma. Biologic options include:
- Dupilumab (Dupixent): Dupilumab is a self-administered injection taken every 2 weeks.
- Omalizumab (Xolair): Omalizumab requires an initial doctor’s appointment followed by self- or doctor-administered injections.
In some cases, nasal polyps may require surgery.
Read more about asthma treatment options and nasal polyp treatment and removal.
Asthma and nasal polyps often occur together. Asthma can increase the risk of nasal polyps forming, while developing nasal polyps may worsen symptoms if you already have asthma.
Doctors can treat nasal polyps and asthma by adjusting your asthma treatment plan or prescribing new medications. In some cases, they may prescribe surgery to treat nasal polyps.
Talk with a doctor if you have any questions about nasal polyps or asthma. Also, speak with a doctor if you have any persistent, worsening, or concerning respiratory symptoms.