Nasal polyps are growths that result from inflamed mucous membranes in the sinuses and nasal passages.
Nasal polyps are often related to other chronic diseases and tend to last for long periods of time.
They can even grow back after medical treatments or surgical removal.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Othercommon symptomsinclude:
Nasal polyps vary in size, and small polyps may not cause symptoms.
Larger polyps may block the nasal passages, cause symptoms, and lead to a sinus infection.
A person with severe nasal polyps may actually be able to see the polyps in their nostrils.
They are a glistening translucent gray color, resembling clumps of clear gelatin.
The majority of patients can be diagnosed with either nasal endoscopy or visual inspection.
Treatment
Nasal polyps may be treated with surgical ormedical therapies.
It’s important to note that even after successful surgery, polyps may recur.
Some data support the use of allergy shots in those with allergic fungal sinusitis.
Antibiotics
These may be prescribed in cases of sinus infection.
Nasal polyps will not go away on their own.
Left untreated, they will continue to cause symptoms.
Polyps can grow and block nasal passages.
This can cause symptoms to worsen and lead to recurring sinus infections.
The majority of nasal polyps are benign (noncancerous) growths in the nose and sinus cavity mucous membranes.
If a growth in your nose looks suspicious, your healthcare provider will send you for further testing.
Most of the time, however, nasal polyps are not a sign of cancer.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Nasal Polyps.
National Institutes of Health.
2019 Nov 2;394(10209):1618].Lancet.
