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Updated on December 19, 2023
Nasal polyps are benign (noncancerous) growths that can form inside the sinuses and nasal cavity. These growths form as a result of chronic (long-term) inflammation of the tissues that line the nose and sinuses, and nasal polyps are associated with several health conditions that can cause this kind of inflammation.
These conditions include asthma, allergies, long-lasting sinus infections, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), and cystic fibrosis. However, the exact cause of nasal polyps is not fully understood, and it is not known why some people develop nasal polyps and others do not.
Small nasal polyps may not cause symptoms and may go unnoticed. Larger nasal polyps and/or clusters of nasal polyps can cause congestion, loss of sense of smell, difficulty breathing, and recurring sinus infections. These symptoms can get worse if nasal polyps are left untreated.
What healthcare provider treats nasal polyps?
Most people with nasal polyps begin by seeing a primary care provider as they seek treatment for congestion or other symptoms. A primary care provider may be able to diagnose nasal polyps during an exam, depending on where in the nose and sinuses the polyps are located and the size of the polyps.
People who are diagnosed by a primary care provider, or who require further evaluation, will be referred to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT—an “ear, nose, and throat” doctor. A person may need to work with other specialists depending on the underlying conditions that are contributing to nasal polyps.
What are the treatment options for nasal polyps?
Treatment for nasal polyps will vary from person to person, and will depend on a number of factors, including the size and location of the polyps. Treatment options include:
- Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that can help shrink nasal polyps—or in some cases, cause nasal polyps to go away. When treating nasal polyps, corticosteroids are often taken as a nasal spray. Oral corticosteroids may also be prescribed.
- Surgery. In some cases, it is recommended to remove nasal polyps with surgery. In many cases, surgery is performed using an endoscope. Corticosteroids may be prescribed following surgery to help prevent nasal polyps from coming back.
- Biologic medications. Biologic medications reduce inflammation by blocking specific inflammatory proteins and receptors. This approach is typically used to treat recurring chronic rhinosinusitis (chronic inflammation in the sinuses) when other treatments have not worked.
Treatment for nasal polyps should also address any underlying condition that may be contributing to nasal polyps. This can help prevent nasal polyps from returning after treatment. A treatment plan may include additional medications to treat allergies and sinus infections that are contributing to nasal polyps.
What are the complications of nasal polyps?
While nasal polyps are not cancerous, there are cancers that can form in the nasal cavity and sinuses. Any lump or other abnormal growth should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Mentioned above, nasal polyps can become more severe if left untreated. Complications can include recurring infections, loss of sense of smell, and a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (which causes a person to stop breathing during sleep). Though not common, nasal polyps can also sometimes lead to dangerous bacterial infections that affect the eyes, brain, and spinal cord.
Additional complications include the ways that living with nasal polyps can impact a person’s mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life. These are important topics to discuss with healthcare providers, and more reasons to seek treatment.
