Nasal Polyps

What is Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are painless growths on the lining of your nasal cavity or on your sinuses.  They are not cancerous and hang like small grapes.  They can be the result of inflammations from allergies, asthma, recurring infections or some immune disorders.  There may be no symptoms at all.  They are more common in adults than in children.

What are the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are small and generally do not have any feeling. You might not even know you have them if they are really small.  Larger nasal polyps can block your sinuses or the nasal passages.

Some of the symptoms of nasal polyps include ongoing stuffiness and runny nose, dripping nose, headache or facial pain, pressure in the face or forehead, itchy eyes, snoring, and minimized or lost sense of smell or taste.

How is Nasal Polyps Treated?

Treating nasal polyps usually involves treating the condition that causes them to occur in the first place. So, allergies, chronic sinusitis, or other problems will be part of the treatment plan.  After treating the condition that causes the nasal polyps to grow, the polyps will be treated to reduce the size or remove them.

Medications are usually the first treatment that is suggested by doctors.  Nasal corticosteroids can be used to get rid of polyps completely.  There are also oral and injectable corticosteroids that may be more effective if the polyps are severe.

If the medication treatment is not enough to get rid of nasal polyps, endoscopic surgery may be suggested by your doctor. This involves the use of a small tube and a magnifying lens or camera to allow the doctor to remove the polyps.  A corticosteroid nasal spray after the surgery can help the polyps from recurring.

Last Reviewed:
October 10, 2016
Last Updated:
August 09, 2017