Understanding Nasal Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Nasal Polyps

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Polypoid Sinus Degeneration

General

Nasal polyps are benign growth of the nasal passages or sinuses. They hang down and cause chronic inflammation. Small polyps usually do not cause any symptoms as they are soft and lack sensation, but the big ones can block the passage of air. Nasal polyps are in association with infections, allergies, asthma, and some immune disorders. Typically, nasal polyps are seen more in young and middle-aged adults and have a tendency to recur even after successful treatment. The cause of nasal polyps is not fully understood, but people with asthma, aspirin sensitivity, allergic fungal sinusitis, cystic fibrosis, Churg-Straus syndrome or vitamin D deficiency are at higher risk for developing nasal sinuses.

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Signs & symptoms

Nasal polyps symptoms include runny nose, congestion, postnasal drip, decreased sense of smell, loss of sense of taste, facial pain, headache, a sense of pressure in the forehead, snoring and nosebleeds.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of nasal polyps is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination, especially nose examination. A nasal endoscopy will allow a more detailed examination of the nose. A CT scan may be done to image the depth of the polyp and rule out other conditions. Allergy tests may be performed to look for factors contributing to the chronic inflammation. For a child with nasal polyp, a sweat test for cystic fibrosis may be done.

Treatment

Nasal polyp treatment includes nasal corticosteroids, oral and injectable corticosteroids, and for chronic sinusitis- dupilumab may be prescribed. If medications don’t help, an endoscopic surgery may be performed to remove the polyps.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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