15250 Nasal Polyps

Overview

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that develop on the lining of your nose or sinuses. They hang down like teardrops or grapes. They can block your nasal passages and make it harder to breathe through your nose, and they can dull your sense of smell.

Yes, nasal polyps are fairly common. In the UK, it is thought that around 1 in 25 people will develop them at some point in their life.

Nasal polyps are more common in adults over the age of 40. They are also more likely in people who have asthma, allergies, aspirin sensitivity, or chronic sinus problems. Children can get them too, but it is less common.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A blocked or stuffy nose that does not go away
• A runny nose or constant need to sniff
• A reduced sense of smell or taste
• Facial pain or pressure, especially around the forehead
• Snoring or sleeping problems
• Frequent sinus infections

Symptoms in children

• Breathing through the mouth
• Snoring loudly at night
• A nasal or stuffy-sounding voice
• Ear problems or hearing issues
• Ongoing runny nose that seems different from a normal cold

Symptoms in older adults

• Long-lasting stuffiness that may be mistaken for aging
• A more noticeable loss of smell or taste
• Feeling tired or unwell because of poor sleep
• Symptoms that get worse with other long-term conditions like asthma or heart disease

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is not fully understood, but nasal polyps are the result of long-term inflammation in the lining of the nose or sinuses.
• They are not a type of tumour or growth caused by cancer.
• The inflammation leads to tissue swelling that can slowly form into polyps.

Risk factors

• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Chronic sinusitis (long-term inflammation of the sinuses)
• Aspirin sensitivity
• Cystic fibrosis
• Immune system disorders
• A family history of nasal polyps

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency or urgent symptoms listed above, seek medical help the same day or call your local emergency number if it is severe.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See a healthcare provider if you have had a blocked nose, reduced sense of smell, or sinus pressure for more than 12 weeks.
• If symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter nasal saline rinses or non-medicated sprays, make an appointment.
• If you have asthma or allergies and your symptoms are getting worse, ask your care team for advice.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will look inside your nose using a small light and sometimes a thin, flexible camera called a nasal endoscope. This helps them see if polyps are present.

Tests that may be done

• Nasal endoscopy (a thin tube with a camera)
• A swab of the inside of your nose to check for infection
• Allergy testing, if allergies are suspected
• A CT scan of your sinuses, if more detail is needed
• A smell test, in some cases

What to expect at your appointment

The examination is usually quick and may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If the doctor finds polyps, they may, if needed, refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for further assessment and treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for nasal polyps focuses on reducing their size and easing the inflammation in your nose. It usually starts with medicines, and surgery may be considered if those do not work well enough.

Self-care at home

• Use saline (saltwater) nasal rinses or sprays to help clear mucus and keep your nasal passages moist — you can buy these at a pharmacy.
• Use a humidifier at home, especially in dry rooms.
• Avoid irritants like smoke, strong chemicals, and dusty environments.
• Gently blow your nose rather than blowing hard.
• Keep your head elevated when sleeping to help reduce congestion.

Medical treatments

Medication is the first step. Steroid nasal sprays or drops are commonly used to shrink polyps and reduce inflammation. Short courses of steroid tablets may be given for more severe symptoms. Other anti-inflammatory or allergy treatments can help, especially if you also have asthma or allergies. Your doctor will prescribe a plan that is safe and suited to you. Always follow their advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be recommended if medicines do not control symptoms, or if the polyps are very large. The usual operation is endoscopic sinus surgery, where a surgeon uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to remove the polyps and open up the blocked sinuses. Surgery helps, but polyps can come back, so ongoing medical treatment is often still needed after the procedure.

Living with this condition

Living with nasal polyps can mean learning to manage daily symptoms. Regular rinses, using your prescribed medicines as directed, and keeping track of what helps you can make a big difference. It may take time to find the right treatment, so be patient with yourself and stay in touch with your care team.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid your known allergy triggers, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
• Stay away from tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke.
• Wash your hands often to reduce the chance of catching colds or sinus infections.
• Keep asthma and allergies well managed — work with your doctor on an action plan.
• Use a saline rinse during allergy season or when you feel congested.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fluids supports your immune system. Gentle exercise, like walking, can improve your general health and help clear nasal mucus. If you feel very congested, avoid intense exercise that may make breathing uncomfortable.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel frustrated or low if symptoms keep you from breathing easily, sleeping well, or concentrating. Your feelings matter. Talk to your healthcare provider about how nasal polyps affect your mood and daily life — they can help you find ways to cope. Breathing difficulties or constant discomfort can also affect mental health, so you deserve support.

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent nasal polyps, especially if you have an invisible tendency to them. But you can reduce the chance of flare-ups by managing allergies and asthma, avoiding irritants, and treating sinus infections early.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents nasal polyps. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, can help prevent respiratory infections that might make your symptoms worse. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for nasal polyps in people without symptoms. Testing is done only when you have ongoing symptoms that suggest a problem.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic sinus infections that keep coming back
• A lasting reduction in your sense of smell or taste, which may not fully return
• Obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing stops briefly during sleep
• Severe sinus infections that can spread to areas near the eye or brain (rare but serious)
• Difficulty breathing through the nose, which can affect everyday activities and quality of life

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment, most people get good relief from their symptoms. Nasal polyps can come back over time, but that does not mean you are stuck — ongoing treatment and regular check-ups can keep them under control and help you live comfortably. Even if surgery is needed, it can make a significant difference, and you can continue to manage the condition with simple daily habits. There is good reason to be hopeful.

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