Nasal Polyps: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous swellings that develop from the lining of the nose or sinuses, usually as a result of chronic inflammation. They are often associated with chronic sinusitis, asthma, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease and certain inflammatory conditions. Symptoms may include persistent nasal blockage, reduced or lost sense of smell, postnasal drainage, facial pressure, mouth breathing and recurrent sinus symptoms. Small polyps may cause few symptoms, while larger growths can obstruct airflow and sinus drainage. Diagnosis is made through medical history and examination. Nasal endoscopy allows the ENT specialist to inspect deeper areas of the nose. A CT scan may be used when assessing the extent of sinus disease, planning surgery or investigating atypical findings. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and restore breathing and drainage. Saline irrigation and prescribed intranasal corticosteroid sprays are commonly used. Short courses of oral corticosteroids or other medicines may be considered for selected patients under medical supervision. Antibiotics treat bacterial infection when present but do not remove the polyps themselves. Endoscopic sinus surgery may be discussed when symptoms remain significant despite appropriate medical treatment, when polyps repeatedly return or when complications arise. Surgery removes obstructing tissue and opens sinus pathways, but ongoing medical treatment is often needed because polyps can recur. A one-sided nasal mass, repeated bleeding, facial numbness, eye symptoms or rapid progression requires prompt assessment because not every nasal growth is a simple inflammatory polyp.