Nasal Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Soft, painless growths inside the nasal passages, nasal polyps can quietly block airflow, dull your sense of smell, and fuel repeated sinus infections. The good news is that they respond well to treatment once properly diagnosed.

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses, most often as a result of long-standing inflammation. They can range from tiny, barely noticeable growths to larger masses that block the nasal airway entirely. Unlike a tumor, polyps are not solid growths — they're teardrop-shaped and often described as looking like peeled grapes.

What Causes Nasal Polyps?

• Chronic sinusitis — long-term inflammation of the sinus lining is the most common underlying driver
• Allergic rhinitis and other allergic conditions
• Asthma, which frequently coexists with nasal polyps
• Aspirin sensitivity, part of a recognized combination with asthma and nasal polyps (sometimes called Samter's triad)
• Cystic fibrosis, particularly in children with recurrent or unusually large polyps
• Chronic irritant exposure, such as recurring infections or environmental allergens

Nasal polyps commonly form in the sinuses before extending into the nasal cavity

Signs and Symptoms

• Persistent nasal congestion or blockage
• Reduced or lost sense of smell and taste
• Runny nose or post-nasal drip
• Facial pressure or pain
• Snoring or disrupted sleep from nasal obstruction
• Frequent sinus infections
• A sensation of pressure across the forehead or around the eyes

Treatment Options

• Nasal corticosteroid sprays to shrink polyps and reduce inflammation, often the first line of treatment
• Oral steroids, used short-term for more significant polyps or flare-ups
• Saline irrigation to help clear mucus and allergens from the nasal passages
• Biologic medications, a newer option for polyps linked to chronic inflammation that hasn't responded to standard treatment
• Treating underlying allergies or asthma, which can reduce the inflammatory drive behind polyp formation

When Is Surgery Needed?

If polyps are large, causing significant nasal blockage, or haven't responded adequately to medical treatment, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) can be used to remove them and open up the sinus drainage pathways. Surgery provides good short-term relief, but because polyps can recur — especially without ongoing treatment of the underlying inflammation — many patients continue nasal steroid sprays or other maintenance therapy afterward.

Recovery After Polyp Surgery

• First few days: Congestion, mild discomfort, and some drainage are expected.
• Ongoing care: Saline rinses and prescribed nasal sprays are typically continued for months afterward to reduce the chance of recurrence.
• Follow-up: Regular ENT check-ups help catch any early regrowth before it becomes a significant problem again.

Polyps can obstruct the nasal passages and reduce airflow

Risks and Considerations

• Recurrence of polyps over time, particularly without maintenance treatment
• Side effects from long-term steroid use, especially oral steroids
• Standard surgical risks such as bleeding or infection

The Takeaway

Nasal polyps are a common but manageable cause of chronic congestion and lost sense of smell. Many people get meaningful relief from medication alone, and for those who need surgery, FESS offers an effective way to clear the airway — as long as it's paired with ongoing treatment of whatever inflammatory condition caused the polyps to form in the first place.