Page Summary
- Nasal polyps are benign inflammatory swellings that develop inside the nose and sinuses.
- They commonly cause nasal blockage, reduced smell and nasal discharge.
- Treatment focuses on controlling the inflammation that causes them.
- Polyps can return, so long-term treatment and follow-up are important.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous (benign) inflammatory growths that develop from the lining of the nose and sinuses. They occur with chronic rhinosinusitis and may affect nasal breathing, sinus drainage, and the sense of smell.
Common symptoms
- A blocked nose that gets worse over time.
- A weaker or lost sense of smell.
- A runny nose, or mucus dripping down your throat.
- A feeling of pressure in your face.
Why does it happen?
Polyps come from swelling inside the nose that doesn't go away. In some people, this is linked to asthma and a sensitivity to aspirin. In others, allergies play a role. Sometimes there's no clear reason.
How is it diagnosed?
- We look at the polyps directly with a thin endoscope (nasal endoscopy).
- A CT scan shows how much of the sinuses are affected.
- We may ask about any change in your sense of smell.
Treatment
Steroid nasal sprays are usually the first treatment. Sometimes we add a short course of steroid pills. If polyps keep coming back despite this, biologic therapy (given by injection) or surgery to remove the polyps and open the sinuses may be considered.
Frequently asked questions
What causes nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps usually develop as a result of ongoing inflammation in the lining of the nose and sinuses. There is no single cause that explains them in every patient.
In some patients, nasal polyps may be linked to asthma or aspirin sensitivity. They may also occur with some types of allergy or other inflammatory conditions, while in some cases the cause is not clear.
Recognizing any associated conditions and the pattern of inflammation helps choose the most suitable treatment and estimate how likely the polyps are to return after treatment.
Are nasal polyps cancer?
No, they are not cancer. But any unusual growth, especially on one side, should still be checked to be safe.
Can medicine shrink polyps without surgery?
Often, yes. Many people respond well to nasal sprays or biologic medicine without needing surgery.
What about biologic therapy?
Biologic medications target specific inflammatory pathways involved in nasal polyps. They may be considered in selected patients with severe or recurrent disease, particularly when symptoms persist despite appropriate medical treatment and after complete sinus surgery.
Can nasal polyps come back after surgery?
Yes, they can. Surgery removes the polyps that are present, but it does not remove the underlying inflammation that caused them. Continuing nasal rinses and steroid sprays after surgery, with regular follow-up, lowers the chance of polyps returning. In more difficult cases, biologic therapy may help control the inflammation long term.