Nasal polyps are benign, soft, and painless growths that form inside the nose or sinuses. While small polyps often go unnoticed, larger ones can block airflow, trigger sinus infections, and significantly affect your quality of life.

They are often linked to asthma, chronic sinus infections, allergies, or aspirin intolerance. Although nasal polyps themselves are not dangerous, their symptoms may mimic common colds or flu, making them easy to overlook until they worsen.

This article explores the most common signs and symptoms of nasal polyps, why they occur, and when you should seek medical attention.

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is the most common and earliest sign of nasal polyps.

People often describe it as a persistent stuffy or blocked nose that doesn’t go away after a few weeks. Unlike congestion from a cold, nasal polyp-related congestion usually:

  • Lasts 12 weeks or more

  • Affects both sides of the nose

  • May include watery or thick nasal discharge (rhinorrhea)

  • Is often accompanied by frequent sneezing or sniffles

Because the congestion is long-lasting, many people assume they have chronic allergies or sinus infections, when in fact polyps are the underlying issue.

Decreased Sense of Smell or Taste

Another hallmark symptom is a reduced ability to smell or taste.

Research suggests about 17% of people with nasal polyps experience this problem. It usually occurs because the growths physically block airflow, preventing smell molecules from reaching the olfactory nerves.

  • Adults tend to notice this more, while children may not report it clearly.

  • A reduced sense of smell (hyposmia) often leads to a decreased sense of taste, since these senses are closely connected.

  • In severe cases, a complete loss of smell (anosmia) may occur.

This symptom is often one of the most disruptive to daily life, especially when it persists for months.

Post-Nasal Drip

Post-nasal drip occurs when excess mucus builds up and drains down the back of the throat. With nasal polyps, this is a frequent complaint and often leads to:

  • Chronic cough

  • Sore throat or irritation

  • The sensation of a lump in the throat

  • Sleep disturbances from mucus dripping at night

Post-nasal drip not only affects comfort but can also contribute to insomnia and restless sleep, leaving you fatigued during the day.

Snoring and Sleep Problems

Because nasal polyps obstruct airflow, snoring is a common symptom. In some cases, this can progress into obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a serious condition where the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep.

Possible effects include:

  • Loud, chronic snoring

  • Frequent awakenings at night

  • Feeling unrefreshed in the morning

  • Daytime sleepiness and poor concentration

Sleep-related issues are often the reason people finally seek medical help, as they begin to affect not just health but also relationships and work performance.

Headaches and Facial Pressure

Nasal polyps often cause headaches, facial pressure, and sinus pain, particularly in those with chronic sinusitis.

The growths can block normal sinus drainage, leading to pressure buildup in areas such as:

  • The forehead

  • Between the eyes

  • Around the cheeks

  • Behind the nose

These headaches often feel worse in the morning due to congestion worsening overnight. Some patients mistake this for migraines when in fact nasal polyps are the underlying cause.

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to the major signs above, people with nasal polyps may also notice:

  • Frequent sneezing

  • Constant runny nose

  • Persistent sore throat (from irritation)

  • Reduced ability to breathe through the nose

While these may seem like minor nuisances, their persistence is a key clue that something more than seasonal allergies is going on.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

At first, nasal polyps may feel like a stubborn cold or lingering sinus infection. However, unlike colds or flu, the symptoms do not resolve on their own.

You should see a healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Congestion that persists longer than 10–12 weeks

  • Increasing difficulty breathing through your nose

  • A noticeable or worsening loss of smell or taste

  • Snoring that disrupts your sleep or your partner’s sleep

  • Facial pain or pressure that doesn’t improve with OTC remedies

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop severe breathing difficulties or frequent nosebleeds.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size of the polyps and severity of symptoms. Options may include:

  • Nasal corticosteroid sprays (e.g., fluticasone) to shrink inflammation

  • Oral corticosteroids for short-term relief in severe cases

  • Biologic therapies (e.g., dupilumab) for chronic, recurring polyps

  • Antihistamines if allergies are a contributing factor

  • Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present

  • Surgery (polypectomy) if polyps are very large or don’t respond to medication

Because polyps often recur, many people require ongoing management even after initial treatment.

A Quick Review

  • Nasal polyps are soft, benign growths inside the nose or sinuses.

  • Key symptoms: nasal congestion, reduced smell/taste, post-nasal drip, snoring, headaches, and facial pressure.

  • They often mimic colds or allergies, but unlike those, symptoms persist long-term.

  • Treatments include medications, sprays, biologics, or surgery for severe cases.

  • While complications are rare, untreated polyps can block airflow and worsen sleep problems.

With proper treatment, most people find relief and improved breathing.