What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that form on the lining of the nose or sinuses. They're teardrop-shaped and can block airflow or prevent normal drainage from the sinuses, which often causes ongoing congestion, a reduced sense of smell, or postnasal drip. Nasal polyps are common and can affect anyone, though they're more likely in people with asthma, allergies, or chronic sinus inflammation.
They aren't the same as a cold or a typical sinus infection, even though the symptoms can feel similar. An ENT can determine whether nasal polyps are the cause of your symptoms and what treatment options make sense for you.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates that around 181 million people worldwide are living with nasal polyps. ¹
Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps often cause symptoms that feel like an ongoing sinus infection, since they can block airflow and affect normal drainage in the nose and sinuses. Because these symptoms overlap with other sinus conditions, an ENT exam is usually needed to confirm nasal polyps as the cause.
- Nasal congestion or a stuffy nose
- A runny nose or postnasal drip
- Blocked nasal passages or trouble breathing through the nose
- Sinus pressure or facial pain
- A reduced sense of smell or taste
- Occasional nosebleeds
A reduced sense of smell is one of the most common complaints among people with nasal polyps, and since taste relies heavily on smell, many people notice both together. Small polyps may not cause any noticeable symptoms at all, while larger or multiple polyps are more likely to cause ongoing congestion.
What Causes Nasal Polyps?
Scientists don't fully understand what causes nasal polyps, but they're linked to ongoing inflammation in the nose and sinuses. Certain health conditions are associated with a higher risk of developing them, including:
- Asthma, a condition that causes the airway to swell and narrow
- Allergic fungal sinusitis, an allergy to airborne fungi
- Allergic rhinitis, inflammation of the nasal lining often caused by allergies
- Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus throughout the body, including the nose and sinuses
- A family history of nasal polyps
- Vitamin D deficiency
People who have both asthma and nasal polyps sometimes also have a sensitivity to aspirin and similar medications like ibuprofen. This combination is sometimes called aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, or AERD. If you have asthma and nasal polyps, it's worth telling your ENT about any reaction you've had to these medications.
If any of these risk factors sound familiar, scheduling an exam with an ENT is the most reliable way to find out whether nasal polyps are the cause.
Nasal Polyps Treatment
Treatment for nasal polyps usually starts with medication and moves to a procedure only if needed. Your ENT will recommend a treatment plan based on the size of the polyps, your symptoms, and how you respond to initial treatment.
Corticosteroids, either as a nasal spray or a short course of oral medication, are usually the first step in treating nasal polyps. They reduce inflammation and swelling, and in some cases can shrink the polyps enough to relieve symptoms without further treatment.
If corticosteroids don't provide enough relief, or if the polyps are large enough to block airflow significantly, your ENT may recommend a procedure to remove them directly. The right approach depends on your specific case, which is why an in-person exam is an important part of deciding on treatment for nasal polyps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that form on the lining of the nose or sinuses. They're teardrop-shaped and can block airflow or prevent normal drainage, which often causes ongoing congestion, a reduced sense of smell, or postnasal drip. Nasal polyps are different from a typical sinus infection, even though the symptoms can feel similar.
What causes nasal polyps?
Scientists don't fully understand what causes nasal polyps, but they're linked to ongoing inflammation in the nose and sinuses. Certain conditions are associated with a higher risk, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic fungal sinusitis, cystic fibrosis, and vitamin D deficiency. A family history of nasal polyps can also increase the risk.
How do you tell if you have nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including nasal congestion, a runny or blocked nose, postnasal drip, and a reduced sense of smell. Because these symptoms overlap with other sinus conditions, the only way to know for sure is through an ENT exam, which may include a nasal endoscopy to look for polyps directly.
Are nasal polyps common?
Yes. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates that around 181 million people worldwide are living with nasal polyps.¹ They can affect anyone, though they're more common in people with asthma, allergies, or chronic sinus inflammation.
Why do nasal polyps form?
Nasal polyps form when long-term inflammation causes the lining of the nose or sinuses to swell and eventually develop into soft, teardrop-shaped growths. This inflammation is often related to conditions like asthma, allergies, or chronic sinusitis, though polyps can sometimes form without a clear underlying cause.
Get Started Today: Nasal Polyp Treatment
If you're ready to find relief from nasal polyps, Dr. Magardino and Dr. Morehouse are here to help, treating nasal and sinus conditions for patients across Naples. Reach out today to talk through your symptoms and find the treatment approach that's right for you.
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