What are Nasal Polyps? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths that develop inside your nose and sinuses. Think of them as small, grape-like bumps that form when the lining of your nasal passages becomes swollen and inflamed over time.

These growths are completely benign, meaning they're not cancerous. They develop slowly and can vary in size from tiny specks to larger masses that might block your breathing. While they can be frustrating to deal with, nasal polyps are quite common and very treatable.

What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

The most common sign you might notice is difficulty breathing through your nose, especially when both nostrils feel blocked. This happens because the polyps can partially or completely obstruct your nasal passages.

Here are the symptoms you might experience, ranging from the most common to less frequent ones:

• Stuffy nose that doesn't improve with decongestants
• Reduced sense of smell or taste
• Runny nose with thick, discolored mucus
• Feeling of pressure or fullness in your face
• Headaches, particularly around your forehead and cheeks
• Snoring or sleep disruption
• Persistent cough, especially at night

Less commonly, some people experience facial pain, dental pain in their upper teeth, or a feeling like something is stuck in their throat. The symptoms often develop gradually over weeks or months, so you might not notice them right away.

What are the types of nasal polyps?

Most nasal polyps fall into two main categories based on where they develop. Understanding the type can help your doctor choose the best treatment approach for you.

Ethmoidal polyps are the most common type. They grow from the ethmoid sinuses, which are located between your nose and brain. These typically affect both sides of your nose and are often linked to allergies or asthma.

Antrochoanal polyps are less common and usually develop on one side of your nose. They start in the maxillary sinus (located in your cheek area) and can grow quite large, sometimes extending into your throat. These are more frequently seen in children and young adults.

What causes nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps develop when the lining of your nose and sinuses stays inflamed for extended periods. This chronic inflammation causes the tissue to swell and eventually form these soft, droopy growths.

Several conditions can trigger this ongoing inflammation:

• Chronic sinusitis (long-term sinus infections)
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) from pollen, dust mites, or pet dander
• Asthma, particularly when combined with aspirin sensitivity
• Cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition affecting mucus production
• Allergic fungal sinusitis from mold or fungal exposure

Less commonly, certain genetic conditions like Churg-Strauss syndrome or repeated sinus infections can lead to polyp formation. Some people also develop polyps without any clear underlying cause, which doctors call idiopathic nasal polyps.

When should you see a doctor for nasal polyps?

You should schedule an appointment if you've had persistent nasal congestion for more than a week that doesn't improve with over-the-counter treatments. This is especially important if the stuffiness affects both nostrils.

Seek medical attention sooner if you notice your sense of smell or taste has significantly decreased. These changes can really impact your quality of life and may indicate that polyps are interfering with your nasal function.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience severe symptoms like intense facial pain, high fever, sudden vision changes, or severe headaches. While rare, these could signal a more serious sinus infection that needs immediate treatment.

What are the risk factors for nasal polyps?

Certain factors can make you more likely to develop nasal polyps, though having these doesn't guarantee you'll get them. Understanding your risk can help you take preventive steps.

The most significant risk factors include:

• Having asthma, especially if you're also sensitive to aspirin
• Frequent sinus infections or chronic sinusitis
• Seasonal or year-round allergies
• Family history of nasal polyps
• Cystic fibrosis
• Being between 40 and 60 years old

Men are slightly more likely to develop nasal polyps than women. Additionally, if you have a condition called aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, your risk increases significantly.

What are the possible complications of nasal polyps?

While nasal polyps themselves aren't dangerous, they can lead to complications if left untreated. The good news is that most complications are preventable with proper treatment.

Common complications you might experience include:

• Recurring sinus infections due to blocked drainage
• Sleep apnea from severe nasal obstruction
• Permanent loss of smell or taste
• Worsening of asthma symptoms

Rare but more serious complications can occur if polyps grow very large or if infections spread. These might include vision problems if the infection reaches the area around your eyes, or in extremely rare cases, brain infections. However, these severe complications are very uncommon with modern medical care.

How can nasal polyps be prevented?

While you can't always prevent nasal polyps, especially if you have genetic risk factors, you can take steps to reduce chronic inflammation in your nasal passages. Managing underlying conditions is your best defense.

Keep your allergies well-controlled with antihistamines or nasal sprays as recommended by your doctor. Regular use of a humidifier can help keep your nasal passages moist and less prone to irritation.

Practice good nasal hygiene by using saline rinses, especially during allergy season or when you have a cold. Avoid known allergens when possible, and don't smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke, as this can worsen nasal inflammation.

How are nasal polyps diagnosed?

Your doctor can often spot nasal polyps during a simple physical examination using a lighted instrument called a nasal speculum. They'll look inside your nostrils to check for the characteristic grape-like growths.

If the polyps are small or located deeper in your sinuses, your doctor might use a thin, flexible tube with a camera called a nasal endoscope. This allows them to see areas that aren't visible during a regular exam.

Sometimes additional tests are helpful. A CT scan can show the exact size and location of polyps, especially if surgery is being considered. Allergy testing might be recommended to identify triggers, and occasionally, a small tissue sample is taken to rule out other conditions.

What is the treatment for nasal polyps?

Treatment typically starts with medications to reduce inflammation and shrink the polyps. Most people see improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment.

Your doctor will likely begin with nasal corticosteroid sprays, which are the most effective first-line treatment. These work by reducing inflammation directly in your nasal passages. Common options include fluticasone, mometasone, or budesonide.

If nasal sprays alone aren't enough, oral corticosteroids like prednisone might be prescribed for a short period. These can dramatically shrink polyps but are typically used for only a few weeks due to potential side effects.

For severe cases or when polyps keep returning, surgery might be recommended. Endoscopic sinus surgery is minimally invasive and removes polyps while improving sinus drainage. Most people recover well and experience significant symptom improvement.

How can you manage nasal polyps at home?

Home care can complement your medical treatment and help prevent polyps from returning. Saline nasal rinses are particularly helpful for keeping your nasal passages clean and moist.

Use a neti pot or saline spray several times daily, especially after being exposed to allergens or irritants. Make sure to use distilled or previously boiled water to avoid introducing bacteria.

Keep your home environment as allergy-friendly as possible. Use air purifiers, wash bedding in hot water weekly, and maintain humidity levels between 30-50%. Avoid strong fragrances, cleaning chemicals, and cigarette smoke that can irritate your nasal passages.

How should you prepare for your doctor appointment?

Before your visit, write down all your symptoms and when they started. Note what makes them better or worse, and list any medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter treatments.

Bring a list of your known allergies and any family history of nasal polyps, asthma, or chronic sinus problems. This information helps your doctor understand your risk factors and choose the best treatment approach.

Prepare questions about treatment options, potential side effects, and what to expect during recovery if surgery is discussed. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification on anything you don't understand.

What's the key takeaway about nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are common, benign growths that can significantly impact your breathing and quality of life, but they're very treatable. With proper medical care, most people experience substantial improvement in their symptoms.

The key to successful treatment is working with your healthcare provider to address both the polyps themselves and any underlying conditions that contribute to chronic inflammation. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and can prevent complications.

Remember that managing nasal polyps is often an ongoing process rather than a one-time fix. With the right combination of medical treatment and home care, you can breathe easier and enjoy better nasal health.