Nasal Polyps Symptoms & Causes

ENTNY Banner9

What are nasal polyps?

A nasal polyp is a tissue growth in the lining of the nose or in the sinuses. If the tissue protrudes into the nasal passage, it can cause a nasal obstruction and impede airflow and necessary nasal functions, such as drainage.

Many patients with a polyp in their nose find themselves struggling with constant stuffiness and congestion (runny nose). Mucus running down the throat is also common, and larger polyps can block the nose completely, leading to a reduced smell and taste.

Polyp in the Nose Causes

Nose polyps are caused by any of the following:

What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyp symptoms can include:

  • Snoring
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  • Stuffy nose
  • Pressure in the sinus or head
  • Decreased sense of smell
  • Reduced ability to taste foods and beverages
  • Runny nose
  • Postnasal drip

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to nasal polyps, which can last for over 12 weeks (chronic sinusitis). Many patients who develop a polyp in their nose also have this condition, which can cause pain in the face and teeth, chronic runny nose or postnasal drip, a sense of pressure in the forehead and face, and increased or worsened snoring.

Anyone can develop nasal polyps, but they most commonly occur during young and middle adulthood.

Are Nasal Polyps Painful?

Nasal polyps are painless, but they can cause facial and sinus pain depending on where they grow in the nasal cavity and how large they are. Some may never cause any symptoms, so they can go without treatment.

Nasal polyps can also become irritated and flare up, triggering symptoms like asthma attacks, breathing difficulty, snoring, and congestion.

How To Tell If You Have Nasal Polyps

Some people may be able to feel a polyp in the nostril, but since nasal polyps typically grow in the sinuses, you will not be able to feel them with your finger or see them with the naked eye.

Nasal polyps are teardrop-shaped, benign (non-cancerous) growths that can be gray, yellow, or pink. The only way to definitively know if you have nasal polyps is to visit a doctor and get diagnosed. They will use endoscopic imaging to look inside your nose, and they may take a tissue sample from the growth to test for cancer.

The good news is that nasal polyps are highly treatable, even if you have had recurring ones in the past. Dr. David Volpi is a board-certified otolaryngologist who has been treating patients for over three decades. He is among the top NYC ENTs and serves at several of the city’s most prestigious teaching hospitals.

Book an appointment today to discuss your symptoms and find out if you have nasal polyps.

What are the risk factors for nasal polyps?

Family history may play a role in a person’s risk for developing nasal polyps. There also may be a relation between certain genes that affect the immune system and the development of nasal polyps. Additionally, those with nasal conditions, such as allergies or chronic sinusitis may be more likely to develop nasal polyps.

Preventing nasal polyps can be difficult, but if you receive treatment for them, be sure to take any medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of them returning. Furthermore, improving indoor air quality and using a humidifier in spaces with dry air can help lower the risk of developing nasal polyps.

How are nasal polyps diagnosed?

Nasal polyps can be diagnosed by an ear, nose and throat specialist at New York ENT. Doctors will likely examine inside the nasal passage using an otoscope, which is a small magnifying tool that emits a bright light into the nose. In addition, doctors will rely on patients to describe symptoms to them to help them make a correct diagnosis. When doctors need more information about the condition, they may perform any of these tests:

  • Allergy tests
  • MRI or CT scan of the affected area
  • Nasal endoscopy

What is the best treatment for nasal polyps?

Nasal polyp treatment options include medication and surgery. We will always explore the least invasive method first to ensure your comfort. Some patients require ongoing treatment to prevent nasal polyps from returning. In this case, we are happy to develop ongoing treatment and prevention plans that keep your airways clear.

If you have experienced a loss of smell or taste from nasal polyps, treatment may improve symptoms, but you may not recover these senses completely. It can take several weeks to several months after nasal polyp treatment to notice improvement, so monitoring your symptoms and coordinating with your doctor is the best course of action.

Medical treatment

The first approach to eliminating nasal polyps is usually medication. Corticosteroids are a type of medication that reduce swelling. This method of treatment can shrink the polyp or completely eliminate it. Corticosteroids are either sprayed into the nose, taken orally or injected. Doctors may also prescribe other medications to ease the effects of the polyps, such as pain killers or antihistamines (if allergies are present)

Surgical treatment

When medicine does not effectively shrink or eliminate the polyps, a polypectomy may be necessary to remove the nasal polyp. Nasal polyp removal is endoscopic, meaning that the doctor uses a small device with a tiny camera attached to it to see the inside of your airway. This allows them to effectively remove the polyps without major incisions.

We can perform most nasal polyp removal procedures under local anesthesia in our office. In severe cases, such as patients whose nasal polyps are extremely large or in the upper sinuses, the procedure is typically done under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

During your polypectomy, we will carefully remove the polyps to resolve nasal congestion and discomfort. Afterward, you can return home and resume your usual routine within a few days. Congestion and discharge are normal for several days following surgery, but these symptoms will naturally improve on their own.

Many patients have nasal polyps that do not require treatment. These are non-cancerous growths that may not cause any symptoms. Only when the polyps grow or begin causing chronic nasal symptoms should you consider medication or surgery. We are happy to review your case and discuss your polyps treatment options with you. 

Nasal polyps do not go away without treatment. The first thing your doctor will likely recommend is a round of corticosteroids. Some patients must continue to take medication to keep their nasal polyps at bay, but others find their polyps resolve within 12 weeks. Every case is different, and it is important to collaborate with an ENT expert who can carefully monitor your symptoms and recommend the most effective form of treatment based on your unique needs. 

Without treatment, nasal polyps can grow larger and lead to complications like chronic sinusitis, headaches, and loss of smell and taste. They can also trigger asthma flare-ups and obstructive sleep apnea episodes. Some nasal polyps shrink on their own, but they rarely go away without treatment. The best course of action is to connect with an NYC ENT who can help you get rid of nasal polyps. 

Read what our patients are saying!

"Dr. Volpi is an extremely skillful surgeon. I came to his office because he successfully operated on my family member before. He said my case was relatively complicated however I had no post op pain. I am breathing through my nose like I could never breath before.
He has great bedside manners and appears to be very knowledgeable. He took his time to answer all my questions. I recommend Dr Volpi to anyone who needs his expertise."

- Anonymous

Schedule your consultation

If you are suffering from nasal polyps, the first step towards feeling better is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board certified physicians with New York ENT have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of nasal conditions. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at 212-873-6036 to schedule an appointment today.

Get in Touch

* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Office Hours

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Accessibility Toolbar