Nasal Polyps: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, And Prevention

Nasal polyps are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop inside the nose or sinuses. Though soft and usually painless, they can block airflow, cause congestion, and affect quality of life.

They are often linked to asthma, allergies, and chronic sinus infections. While medications may help shrink them, some people require surgery to remove large or recurring polyps.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about nasal polyps—their symptoms, causes, treatments, prevention tips, and when to seek medical care.

Symptoms Of Nasal Polyps

Not all nasal polyps cause problems. Some are so small that you may not even realize they’re there. However, larger growths or clusters of polyps can create noticeable issues.

Common symptoms include:

Stuffy or blocked nose
Runny nose or persistent nasal discharge
Sneezing
Postnasal drip (mucus dripping into the throat)
Headaches, especially if sinus infection is present
Snoring or noisy breathing at night
Loss of smell or reduced sense of taste
Pressure or fullness in the sinuses

Unlike other nasal conditions, small polyps are typically not painful and rarely bleed. If you have frequent nosebleeds or persistent pain, it may signal another condition and should be checked by a healthcare provider.

What Causes Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps usually form due to chronic inflammation of the nasal or sinus lining. This ongoing irritation causes tissues to swell and, over time, develop into soft growths.

Common triggers include:

Chronic infections: Recurrent sinus infections (rhinosinusitis) can increase the risk of polyps. About 20% of people with chronic rhinosinusitis develop nasal polyps.
Asthma: Between 20–60% of people with nasal polyps also have asthma, particularly when the condition is poorly controlled.
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Seasonal or environmental allergies can repeatedly inflame nasal passages, contributing to polyp formation.
Aspirin intolerance (AERD): People with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease often develop nasal polyps, alongside asthma and sinus issues.

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop nasal polyps, but some factors make them more likely:

Asthma or chronic respiratory conditions
Seasonal or perennial allergies
Cystic fibrosis (which affects mucus production)
Churg-Strauss syndrome (a rare inflammatory blood vessel disorder)
Family history of nasal polyps
Repeated sinus infections
Previous nasal injury or surgery
Living in areas with high pollen, dust, or air pollution

These factors don’t guarantee that you’ll develop nasal polyps, but they increase your susceptibility.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing nasal polyps often starts with a physical examination and a discussion of your symptoms and medical history.

Tests may include:

Nasal endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the nose to check for growths.
Allergy testing: To determine if allergies are contributing.
Blood tests: To identify infection, immune response, or underlying conditions.
Imaging tests: CT scans may be used to see the size and exact location of the polyps.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the right treatment plan.

Treatments For Nasal Polyps

Treatment depends on the size of the polyps, symptoms, and whether they respond to medication.

Medication Options

Nasal saline rinses: Flush out irritants and mucus buildup.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays (e.g., Flonase, Rhinocort): Reduce inflammation and shrink polyps.
Oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone): Used for more severe cases, though typically short-term due to side effects.
Injectable corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone): Used in some resistant cases.
Biologic therapies (monoclonal antibodies): Newer treatments like Dupixent (dupilumab) and Xolair (omalizumab) target underlying immune responses that drive polyp growth.

Surgery

If medications don’t work or polyps are too large, a polypectomy may be necessary. This outpatient surgery removes the growths and clears blocked sinuses. In some cases, endoscopic sinus surgery is performed to improve drainage and prevent recurrence.

Post-surgery care may include steroid sprays to reduce the chance of regrowth.

Prevention

Nasal polyps can return even after treatment, but steps can reduce your risk:

Manage allergies with antihistamines or allergy shots.
Treat asthma with prescribed inhalers and medications.
Use saline sprays or rinses regularly to keep nasal passages clear.
Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, and pollution.
Follow your provider’s plan after surgery—this may include using topical steroids inside the nose.

Complications

Most nasal polyps are harmless, but very large growths or untreated cases can lead to complications, including:

Chronic nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing
Frequent sinus infections
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Orbital cellulitis (eye tissue infection)
Meningitis (rare, but serious)
Thromboembolism (blood clots affecting circulation)

Seek medical care if you experience worsening congestion, trouble breathing at night, or frequent sinus infections.

When To See A Healthcare Provider

You should schedule a medical visit if you have:

A burning or blocked nose lasting longer than 10 days
Frequent sinus infections that don’t improve
Sudden or persistent loss of smell or taste
Nosebleeds or facial pain
Difficulty breathing or sleeping

A Quick Review

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths in the nasal passages or sinuses, often linked to chronic inflammation, asthma, or allergies.

Symptoms include congestion, postnasal drip, headaches, and loss of smell.
Causes range from infections to aspirin intolerance.
Treatment usually starts with medications such as corticosteroid sprays or biologic therapies.
Surgery may be required if medications don’t help.
Prevention focuses on controlling allergies, asthma, and sinus infections to reduce recurrence.