Common Symptoms of Nasal Polyps: Causes, Risks, and When to See a Doctor

By Dr. Sagar Rajkuwar, ENT Specialist, Nashik, Maharashtra, India

🌐 www.entspecialistinnashik.com

 

 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Are Nasal Polyps?
3. Common Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
4. Do Small Nasal Polyps Cause Symptoms?
5. When to See a Doctor
6. What Causes Nasal Polyps?
7. Risk Factors for Nasal Polyps
8. Complications of Nasal Polyps
9. How Are Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?
10. Prevention of Nasal Polyps
11. Conclusion

 

1.Introduction

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop inside the nasal passages or sinuses. They arise from the lining of the nose or sinuses due to long-standing inflammation. Although nasal polyps themselves are benign, they can significantly interfere with breathing, smell, and overall quality of life if left untreated.

Small nasal polyps may go unnoticed and cause no symptoms at all. However, larger polyps or clusters of polyps can block the nasal passages, leading to chronic nasal congestion, recurrent sinus infections, difficulty breathing, and loss of smell. Nasal polyps are more commonly seen in adults between the ages of 20 and 40, though they can occur at any age.

This article explains the common symptoms of nasal polyps, how they differ from sinus infections or colds, their causes, risk factors, complications, prevention strategies, and when medical attention is necessary.

 

2.What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are teardrop-shaped or grape-like swellings that grow inside the nasal cavity or sinuses. They are usually associated with chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa lasting longer than 12 weeks, a condition known as chronic rhinosinusitis.

Unlike tumors, nasal polyps:

• Are noncancerous

• Are usually painless

• Do not bleed easily

• Often occur in both nostrils

They are frequently linked to conditions such as asthma, allergies, chronic sinus infections, and immune disorders.

 

3.Common Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

1. Persistent Nasal Congestion

One of the most common symptoms of nasal polyps is long-lasting nasal blockage. Patients often describe it as a constantly “stuffy” or “blocked” nose that does not improve with common cold medications.

• Usually affects both nostrils

• Does not clear completely

• Can worsen at night

 

2. Runny Nose (Rhinorrhea)

Nasal polyps may cause continuous nasal discharge due to irritation and inflammation of the nasal lining.

• Discharge may be clear or thick

• Often persistent

• May worsen during allergies or infections

 

3. Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus flows down the back of the throat instead of exiting through the nose.

Symptoms include:

• Frequent throat clearing

• Sensation of mucus stuck in the throat

• Chronic cough, especially at night

• Bad breath

 

4. Loss or Reduced Sense of Smell (Hyposmia or Anosmia)

Loss of smell is a key symptom of nasal polyps and helps differentiate them from simple colds.

• Smell loss is often gradual

• Can become complete in severe cases

• May also reduce the sense of taste

This symptom significantly affects appetite and quality of life.

 

5. Reduced Sense of Taste

Because smell and taste are closely linked, patients with nasal polyps may experience difficulty tasting food properly.

• Food may taste bland

• Sweet or salty flavors may feel reduced

 

6. Facial Pain or Pressure

Large polyps can block sinus drainage, leading to pressure buildup inside the sinuses.

Common areas of pain include:

• Forehead

• Cheeks

• Between or behind the eyes

• Bridge of the nose

This pain is usually dull and persistent rather than sharp.

 

7. Headache

Sinus blockage caused by nasal polyps can trigger sinus headaches.

• Pain may worsen when bending forward

• Often associated with facial pressure

• Can be confused with migraine or tension headache

 

8. Tooth Pain

Blocked maxillary sinuses can cause referred pain to the upper teeth.

• Commonly affects upper molars

• Often mistaken for dental problems

• Dental evaluation may appear normal

 

9. Snoring and Mouth Breathing

Chronic nasal obstruction forces patients to breathe through the mouth, especially during sleep.

This may result in:

• Loud snoring

• Dry mouth

• Poor sleep quality

• Daytime fatigue

 

10. Recurrent Sinus Infections

Nasal polyps obstruct normal sinus drainage, increasing the risk of repeated infections.

Signs include:

• Thick nasal discharge

• Fever

• Worsening facial pain

• Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days

 

4.Do Small Nasal Polyps Cause Symptoms?

Small nasal polyps may not cause any symptoms and are often discovered incidentally during nasal endoscopy or imaging for another condition. Symptoms usually develop when polyps grow large enough to block airflow or sinus drainage.

 

 

5.When to See a Doctor

You should consult a healthcare professional if:

• Nasal congestion lasts longer than 10 days

• Loss of smell persists

• Symptoms keep recurring despite treatment

• Facial pain or pressure worsens

Seek Emergency Medical Care If You Experience:

• Sudden vision changes (double vision or loss of vision)

• Severe swelling around the eyes

• A rapidly enlarging forehead

• High fever with worsening headache

• Stiff neck or confusion

These may indicate serious complications requiring urgent treatment.

 

5.What Causes Nasal Polyps?

The exact cause of nasal polyps is not fully understood. However, they are believed to develop due to chronic inflammation of the nasal and sinus lining.

Possible contributing factors include:

• Immune system dysfunction

• Ongoing allergic reactions

• Recurrent infections

• Abnormal tissue response to inflammation

 

6.Risk Factors for Nasal Polyps

Certain conditions increase the likelihood of developing nasal polyps:

• Asthma

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

• Aspirin sensitivity

• Chronic sinus infections

• Cystic fibrosis

• Vitamin D deficiency

• Dental infections

• Family history of nasal polyps

 

7.Complications of Nasal Polyps

If untreated, nasal polyps may lead to:

• Chronic sinusitis

• Frequent sinus infections

• Worsening asthma symptoms

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Permanent loss of smell in severe cases

 

8.How Are Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include:

• Nasal endoscopy

• CT scan of the sinuses

• Allergy testing

• Blood tests (if immune disorders are suspected)

 

9.Prevention of Nasal Polyps

Although nasal polyps cannot always be prevented, the following measures may reduce risk or recurrence:

1. Control Allergies and Asthma

• Follow prescribed treatment plans

• Avoid known triggers

2. Avoid Nasal Irritants

• Cigarette smoke

• Chemical fumes

• Dust and pollution

3. Practice Good Hygiene

• Wash hands regularly

• Prevent upper respiratory infections

4. Use a Humidifier

• Keeps nasal passages moist

• Reduces irritation

• Clean regularly to prevent bacterial growth

5. Perform Nasal Saline Rinses

• Clears allergens and irritants

• Improves sinus drainage

• Reduces inflammation

⚠️ Always use distilled, sterile, boiled, or filtered water for nasal rinses.

 

10.Conclusion

Nasal polyps are a common cause of chronic nasal congestion, loss of smell, and recurrent sinus infections. While small polyps may not cause symptoms, larger ones can significantly impact breathing, sleep, and quality of life. Early recognition of symptoms and timely medical evaluation are essential to prevent complications and improve outcomes.

If nasal symptoms persist despite standard treatment, consulting an ENT specialist can help ensure proper diagnosis and management.

 

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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