Nasal Polyps

What are Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are growths that form in the nose. Irritation and swelling (inflammation) in the nose or sinus openings can lead to changes in the tissue (mucosa) that lines these areas.

Long-term inflammation causes the mucosa to balloon out or grow into a polyp. The polyp fills with watery mucus. Nasal polyps look like moist, gray grapes in the nose. Nasal polyps are not cancer. They do not increase your risk of cancer.

You may have one nasal polyp or more than one. They can be small or large. In most cases, they form in both sides of the nose. Polyps can make it hard to breathe through your nose (nasal obstruction).

What are the causes?

The exact cause of nasal polyps is not known.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop nasal polyps if you:

  • Have a family history of the condition.
  • Have a disease that causes inflammation in your nose or sinuses.
  • Have another condition that affects your nose or sinuses, such as:
    • Nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis).
    • Long-term nasal obstruction (nonallergic rhinitis).
    • Asthma.
    • Nasal or sinus infection, especially fungal infection.
  • Are male.
  • Are older than 40 years of age.
  • Have a sensitivity to aspirin or alcohol.
  • Smoke.
  • Have a disease passed down through families that causes increased production of thick mucus (cystic fibrosis).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms depend on the size of the polyps. Small polyps may cause few symptoms. When symptoms develop, they may include:

  • Nasal obstruction.
  • Decreased senses of smell and taste.
  • Runny nose.
  • The feeling of mucus going down the back of the throat (postnasal drip).
  • Headache, face pain, or sinus pressure.
  • Snoring.
  • Frequent nasal or sinus infections.
  • Itchy eyes.

How is this diagnosed?

Nasal polyps may be diagnosed based on your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam of the inside of your nose. You may also have tests, such as:

  • Imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI to see how large your polyps are and if any are in your sinuses.
  • Skin or blood tests to find out if your polyps may be caused by allergies.
  • Washings or swabs taken from your nose to test for inflammation or infection.

How is this treated?

Small nasal polyps that are not causing symptoms may not need treatment. For large polyps that are causing symptoms, the goal of treatment is to reduce nasal obstruction and improve sinus drainage. Treatment may include:

  • A medicine to reduce inflammation (steroid). This is usually the first treatment. You may have to take steroids for a short or long period of time. Short-term steroids are usually taken as pills. Long-term steroid treatment is usually in the form of nose drops or spray.
  • Medicines to treat an underlying condition, such as allergies, asthma, or infection.
  • Surgery. This may be needed to remove nasal polyps if medicine does not help.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take or use over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using your medicine even if you start to feel better.
  • Use solutions to wash or rinse out the inside of your nose (nasal washes or irrigations) as told by your health care provider.
  • Do not take medicines that contain aspirin if they make your symptoms worse.
  • Do not drink alcohol if it makes your symptoms worse.
  • Do not use any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your condition does not get better or it gets worse at home after treatment.
  • You have a fever.
  • You have headaches or pain in your face that is new or is getting worse.
  • You have a bloody nose.
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