Nasal Polyps

Written by Rick Ansorge, Katie Cameron
Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD on December 11, 2024
5 min read

Nasal polyps are common, noncancerous, teardrop-shaped growths that form in your nose or sinuses. They’re usually found around the area where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. Mature ones look like peeled grapes.

Often linked to allergies or asthma, they may cause no symptoms, especially if they're small and don’t need treatment. Larger ones can block normal drainage from the sinuses. When too much mucus builds up in the sinuses, they can become infected.

Unlike polyps that form in the colon or bladder, nasal ones are rarely cancer ous. Experts think that nasal polyps result from long-term inflammation or they run in families.

Nasal polyps aren’t painful to the touch. Medications or surgery can treat most. They may come back, though.

If you have any symptoms, they may include:

The most common symptoms are a runny, stuffy, or blocked nose.

Many people also have wheezing, sinus infections, and sensitivity to fumes, odors, dust, and chemicals. Although less common, some people with nasal polyps may react to yellow dyes and have a severe allergy to aspirin. If you know you have that allergy, ask your doctor to check for nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps make you more likely to have long-term (chronic) sinusitis. Large ones can even change the shape of your nose.

Nobody really knows what causes nasal polyps, or why they happen in some people, but not in others. Some experts believe it may have something to do with the immune system or the chemical makeup in the lining of your nose and sinuses. But we need more research.

Anyone can get nasal polyps, but they're most common in adults over age 40 and are twice as likely to affect men as women. Children under age 10 rarely get them. If they do, a doctor will check for signs of cystic fibrosis.

Nasal polyps are linked to allergic rhinitis, asthma, aspirin allergy, sinus infections, acute and chronic infections, something stuck in the nose, and cystic fibrosis. But many times, the cause is unknown. Sometimes, people get them before they develop asthma or sinusitis.

Some experts think that symptoms of allergies — including a runny nose, sneezing, and itching — make some people more likely to get nasal polyps. However, this connection is debated. Other researchers think that sinus infections are to blame.

To find out if you have nasal polyps, your doctor will ask questions about what you're feeling and conduct a physical exam .

From there, they'll take a look at your nose using a tool called a nasal endoscope. It has a magnifying lens or camera that provides a detailed view of your nose and sinuses.

If those things don't confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may order more tests, such as:

There are a few ways to treat nasal polyps, including:

Nasal polyps medication

If you need treatment, you’ll probably start with a nasal corticosteroid spray. In many cases, that can shrink or even get rid of nasal polyps. But some people need to take corticosteroids such as prednisone by mouth for a week. If that doesn't work, your doctor may give you a shot of a medicine called dupilumab (Dupixent).

Unfortunately, nasal polyps tend to come back if the irritation, allergy, or infection continues. So, you may need to keep using a corticosteroid spray and have regular checkups with a nasal endoscope.

In general, medications such as antihistamines and decongestants aren’t great at managing nasal polyps. But you may need antihistamines to control allergies or antibiotics if you have an infection before starting steroids.

Nasal polyps surgery

Sometimes, nasal polyps are so large that medications don’t work. In such cases, surgery may be an option.

The doctor would likely use a small nasal telescope that removes nasal polyps. You can go home on the same day as the surgery.

Surgery helps in most cases. It may be less effective if you have nasal polyps, asthma, and aspirin sensitivity. If that’s you, medication may be more helpful.

Can I remove nasal polyps myself?

Never try to remove nasal polyps yourself. Doing so puts you at risk for infection, intense bleeding, and injury. Contact your doctor for treatment instead.

Natural remedies for nasal polyps

If you have surgery to treat nasal polyps, there are steps you can take at home to help prevent them from coming back:

  • Use a humidifier, especially in winter or if you live in a dry climate.
  • Treat allergies and asthma.
  • Continue using a corticosteroid spray.
  • Use a nasal spray or rinse with a saline solution.
  • Avoid dust, dirt, smoke, or other nasal irritants.

Nasal polyps can block your airflow and keep fluids like mucus from draining properly. They also cause lots of irritation and inflammation while they're forming. All of these can bring complications, including:

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that form inside your nose or sinuses. If your nasal polyps become large enough, your doctor may shrink them with corticosteroid spray or even remove them surgically. Taking steps like managing any allergy and asthma symptoms, using a humidifier, and rinsing your nose with a saline solution can help prevent nasal polyps from coming back. Never try to remove nasal polyps on your own. 

What happens if nasal polyps go untreated?

If nasal polyps grow large enough, they may affect your ability to breathe through your nose and could even cause tissue or bone damage.

Can nasal polyps cause nosebleeds?

Yes, if nasal polyps become large enough, they may cause nosebleeds.

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