Sinus Conditions
Nasal Polyps
Soft, painless growths inside the nose and sinuses that block airflow, dull your sense of smell, and worsen congestion. Often linked to asthma, allergies, or aspirin sensitivity.
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Payel Gupta
Triple Board-Certified Allergist & Immunologist
Last reviewed: May 2026
Overview
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They are often associated with chronic inflammation and can significantly impact quality of life.
symptoms
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Reduced or complete loss of smell (anosmia)
- Reduced sense of taste
- Facial pressure or pain
- Snoring
- Post-nasal drip
causes
- Chronic inflammation (allergic or non-allergic)
- Asthma (especially in adults)
- Aspirin sensitivity
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic sinusitis
evaluation
- Nasal endoscopy to visualize polyps
- CT scan of sinuses to assess extent
- Allergy testing
- Assessment of asthma and aspirin sensitivity
- Smell testing
treatment
medical
- Nasal corticosteroids (sprays and irrigations)
- Oral corticosteroids (short courses for severe cases)
- Treatment of underlying allergies
- Aspirin desensitization (if applicable)
advanced
- Biologic medications (dupilumab, omalizumab) for severe cases
- Surgical removal (polypectomy or functional endoscopic sinus surgery)
- Post-surgical maintenance therapy
asthma Link
There's a strong association between nasal polyps and asthma, particularly in adults. This is known as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) when aspirin sensitivity is also present.
referral
Refer to ENT specialist for evaluation, especially if polyps are large, causing significant symptoms, or not responding to medical therapy. Consider referral for biologic therapy evaluation in severe cases.
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