Nasal polyps are fleshy swellings that develop in the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses, which are the air-filled spaces linked to the nasal cavity. They are noncancerous growths.

Polyps vary in size; they may be yellowish-brown or pink and are shaped like teardrops. As they grow, they eventually look similar to grapes on a stem.

Nasal polyps usually develop in both nostrils. However, they can grow in just one nostril or in clusters.

Large polyps or clusters can cause breathing difficulties and can affect a person’s sense of smell. They may block the sinuses and cause problems, such as regular infections.

A doctor examining a person's nose for nasal polyps.Share on Pinterest
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Some people with small nasal polyps may have no signs or symptoms. However, the following symptoms are common with them:

If there are clusters or large polyps, the person’s nasal passages and sinuses may be obstructed, causing symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of sinusitis include:

  • pain, swelling, and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead
  • a blocked nose
  • a runny nose
  • a reduced sense of smell
  • toothache
  • pressure in the ears

The exact causes of nasal polyps are unclear.

A 2023 articleTrusted Source notes that they most commonly develop in those with chronic rhinosinusitis, which has resulted in the term chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Other associations include aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease and conditions such as cystic fibrosis.

There are three types of nasal polyps:

  • Localized: These polyps can develop as a reaction to inflammatory processes.
  • Diffuse: Diffuse nasal polyps often develop in those with CRSwNP.
  • Systemic: Nasal polyps can develop if a person has a systemic condition that affects the entire body, such as eosinophilic granulomatosis, previously known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, and cystic fibrosis. The polyps themselves are the same as diffuse polyps.

Risk factors for nasal polyps include:

  • sensitivity to aspirin
  • asthma
  • allergic fungal sinusitis
  • chronic rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, which refers to inflammation of the nasal passage and sinuses, typically lasting 12 weeks or moreTrusted Source
  • cystic fibrosis, which is a chronic disease that affects organs such as the liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestines
  • eosinophilic granulomatosis, which is a disease that results in the inflammation of blood vessels
  • getting older

A 2020 article found that nasal polyps are more common in men and are more likely to develop as people age. They also seem to be more common in people from urban areas compared to those in rural areas.

Nasal polyps are rare in children. If nasal polyps are present in these individuals, a healthcare professional may test for other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis.

The doctor may also order the following testsTrusted Source:

  • Physical examination: A doctor will generally be able to make a diagnosis after asking about symptoms and examining the person’s nose. Often polyps are visible with the aid of a lighted instrument.
  • Nasal endoscopy: This is a narrow tube with a small camera or magnifying lens that healthcare professionals insert into the person’s nose.
  • Sinus CT scan: This is an imaging test of the paranasal sinuses. This enables the doctor to locate nasal polyps and other abnormalities relating to chronic inflammation. The doctor will also be able to identify any other obstructions.

A doctor may order additional tests according to a person’s other symptoms.

The following are common treatments for nasal polyps:

Steroids

A doctor may prescribe a steroid spray or nose drops, which will shrink the polyps by reducing inflammation. Side effects can include:

  • a sore throat
  • headache
  • nosebleeds

Steroid tablets

In cases of larger polyps or more severe inflammation, a doctor may prescribe steroid tablets, either on their own or for taking along with a nasal spray.

Other medications

Healthcare professionals may give other medications to treat conditions that are worsening the inflammation. Examples include antihistamines for allergies, antibiotics for bacterial infections, and antifungal drugs for fungal allergies.

Surgery

Surgery is only an option if the polyps are very large or if a person has not responded well to other treatments after around 12 weeks.

A doctor may perform a polypectomy, which involves the following:

  1. Healthcare professionals administer a local or general anesthetic.
  2. A doctor inserts a long, thin tube with a video camera into the nose and sinuses.
  3. They will then cut out the polyps using microtelescopes and surgical instruments.

Alternatively, a healthcare professional may perform a functional endoscopic sinus surgery instead, which helps reopen the natural drainage pathways in the sinuses.

After surgery, the person may need to use a corticosteroid nasal spray to help prevent recurrence, although some polyps may grow back in a few years. Saline (saltwater) rinses help post-surgical healing.

Natural remedies

If the symptoms of nasal polyps seem to link to an allergic reaction, it will probably help to avoid the allergen that triggers the reaction.

A person can also help ease symptoms of congestion by using a steam bath. Saltwater rinses can also help ease nasal congestion.

Sometimes, nasal polyps can block the flow of air and draining of fluids from the sinuses or nasal cavity. This can lead to the following possible complicationsTrusted Source:

  • chronic or frequent sinus infections
  • impaired sleep, resulting in chronic fatigue
  • obstructive sleep apnea
  • the formation of mucoceles, which are small cysts that can result in:
    • double vision
    • proptosis, which refers to the eyes bulging out
  • irreversible loss of smell

A person can try the following to help prevent nasal polyps:

  • Humidity: If the air in the home is dry, a person may consider using a humidifier.
  • Hygiene: Regular and thorough handwashing reduces the risk of a bacterial or viral infection, resulting in fewer cases of inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages.
  • Avoiding irritants: A person can try avoiding irritants, such as some allergens, chemicals, and airborne pollutants, which can inflame the sinuses.
  • Management of asthma and allergies: People can follow their doctor’s recommendations regarding asthma, allergy treatment, or both.
  • Nasal lavage or nasal rinse: Rinsing the nasal passages with a nasal lavage or saline spray can help improve the flow of mucus and remove irritants and allergens.

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Common symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, postnasal drip, less of a sense of taste and smell, and snoring.

Without treatment, they can impair a person’s ability to breathe easily, resulting in sleep disturbances and fatigue. They can also lead to obstructive sleep apnea, a permanent loss of smell, and the formation of mucoceles.

Treatment includes a combination of steroids, nasal rinses, and in more severe cases, surgery.