Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop inside the nose or sinuses and can cause ongoing stuffiness, trouble breathing through the nose, and a reduced sense of smell. These growths are linked to long-term inflammation and often occur with conditions like chronic sinus problems, allergies, or asthma. While nasal polyps can make daily life uncomfortable, many treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Ongoing care can help keep symptoms under control.

Nasal polyps are smooth, soft growths that form on the tissue lining the nose or sinuses. They usually develop near the openings that connect the sinuses to the inside of the nose. These growths are benign, meaning they are not cancer and do not spread to other parts of the body. Nasal polyps are made up of swollen tissue caused by long-term inflammation and can range in size from tiny bumps to larger masses that block airflow.

Nasal polyps are most often found in adults but can also occur in children, especially those with certain health conditions. In children, cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestion, is a common cause of nasal polyps. In adults, polyps are often linked to chronic rhinosinusitis (long-lasting sinus inflammation), allergies, or asthma. Nasal polyps can affect one or both sides of the nose but most often occur on both sides.

Nasal polyps are caused by a complex mix of factors, including long-term inflammation, changes in the immune system, and, in some people, genetics. The main reason polyps form is ongoing swelling and irritation of the lining inside the nose and sinuses, known as chronic inflammation. This inflammation can be triggered by several conditions, including chronic rhinosinusitis, allergies such as hay fever, and asthma.

Certain diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, can also lead to nasal polyps, especially in children. Other conditions linked to nasal polyps include aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD, a condition that involves asthma, nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin) and some immune system diseases like eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (a rare blood vessel disorder). AERD is also called Samter’s triad.

Researchers believe that problems with the barrier function of the nasal lining, as well as overactive immune responses to bacteria, fungi, or environmental triggers, play a role in polyp formation. In some families, nasal polyps are more common, suggesting that genetics can increase the risk.

Not everyone with allergies or sinus problems will develop polyps, and the exact reasons why some people get them while others do not are still not fully understood.

Risk factors for nasal polyps include certain health conditions and family history. The main risk factors are:

• Asthma, which is a long-term lung disease that causes airway swelling and makes breathing difficult
• Chronic rhinosinusitis, which means ongoing swelling and infection of the sinuses
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), which is an allergy that causes sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes
• Aspirin sensitivity, in which taking aspirin or similar medicines triggers breathing problems or nasal symptoms
• Cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease that causes thick mucus and frequent lung infections), especially in children
• Frequent or long-lasting sinus infections, which keep the nasal lining inflamed
• Family history of nasal polyps, which increases the chance of developing polyps
• Certain rare immune system diseases, such as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, which can cause nasal inflammation and polyps

Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean nasal polyps will definitely develop, but it does increase the likelihood.

Symptoms of nasal polyps range from mild to severe, depending on the size of the polyps. Common symptoms include ongoing nasal blockage and a reduced sense of smell, but other signs can also occur. Symptoms can include:

• Stuffy or blocked nose, which makes it hard to breathe through the nose
• Runny nose, with clear or colored mucus draining from the nostrils
• Postnasal drip, in which mucus runs down the back of the throat
• Sneezing
• Decreased or lost sense of smell
• Loss of taste
• Facial pressure
• Headache or pain, which may occur if a sinus infection is also present
• Snoring, due to blocked airflow through the nose
• Mouth breathing, because the nose feels blocked
• A feeling of having a cold that does not go away, with ongoing congestion and discomfort

Diagnosis of nasal polyps is based on a review of symptoms, a physical exam, and other tests.

The doctor will ask about ongoing nasal blockage, loss of smell, and other related symptoms. The doctor may also ask about allergies, asthma, sinus infections, and family history of similar problems. When a child younger than 12 has nasal polyps, the doctor may consider cystic fibrosis as a possible cause, even if the child does not have its typical lung or digestive symptoms.

During the physical exam, the doctor will look inside the nose using a nasal speculum (a tool to open the nostrils). Most polyps are smooth and grayish and resemble grapes.

To confirm the diagnosis and check the extent of the polyps, the following tests may be used:

• Nasal endoscopy, which may be done by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) if polyps are suspected but not easily seen. A thin, flexible tube with a camera lets the specialist view deeper areas of the nose and sinuses and see the size and location of polyps.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan, which provides detailed images of the sinuses and helps plan treatment or surgery.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is sometimes used to tell polyps apart from other growths or tumors.
• Biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is taken and checked under a microscope, especially if the polyp is on one side only. Polyps on only one side of the nose are less typical and can sometimes be a sign of a tumor, which may or may not be cancer.

These tests help rule out other causes of nasal blockage, such as tumors, and guide treatment.

Treatment for nasal polyps aims to reduce their size, relieve symptoms, and prevent them from coming back. The main treatment options include medicines, surgery, and ongoing care to control inflammation and allergies.

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays (medicines sprayed into the nose to shrink polyps and reduce swelling) are usually the first treatment tried and can help clear blocked nasal passages
• Nasal saline irrigation, which involves rinsing the nose with salt water to remove allergens
• Oral corticosteroids (pills or liquids that reduce swelling and polyp size) may be used for severe symptoms or when sprays are not enough, typically for short periods due to possible side effects
• Biologic medicines (monoclonal antibodies), which are newer treatments given by injection to target specific parts of the immune system, are used for people with severe or recurring polyps who do not respond to other treatments
• Allergy medicines, such as antihistamines or allergy shots, which help control allergy symptoms and may prevent polyps from returning
• Antibiotics, if there is a bacterial sinus infection along with the polyps
• Endoscopic sinus surgery (a procedure in which a surgeon removes polyps and opens blocked sinuses using small tools and a thin tube with a light) is considered if medicines do not work or if polyps are very large

After surgery, ongoing use of corticosteroid nasal sprays and saline rinses is important to prevent polyps from coming back.

People with certain conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or AERD, may need special treatments to control the underlying problem. For example, people with AERD are advised to see an allergist and may benefit from aspirin desensitization (a treatment, given under a doctor’s supervision, that helps the body tolerate aspirin).

Regular follow-up with a doctor helps monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.

Complications of nasal polyps can affect breathing, sense of smell, and overall health. The main complications include:

• Chronic nasal blockage, which makes it hard to breathe through the nose and can disturb sleep
• Sinus infections, because blocked sinuses are more likely to become infected
• Loss of smell or taste, which may not fully return even after treatment
• Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops and starts during sleep due to blocked airways
• Mucoceles, which are mucus-filled cysts that can form in the sinuses and press on nearby structures
• Facial changes, such as widening of the nose, if polyps are present for a long time in a child
• Recurrence of polyps, meaning they can come back even after surgery or medicine
• Bleeding or infection, which can happen after surgery

The outlook for people with nasal polyps depends on the underlying cause and how well the condition is managed. Many people experience relief from symptoms with proper treatment, such as nasal sprays, other medicines, or surgery. However, nasal polyps often come back, especially if the inflammation or allergy that led to them is not kept under control. In people with aspirin sensitivity, polyps tend to be more widespread and more likely to come back after treatment.

Some people may have ongoing problems with loss of smell, even after treatment. Regular follow-up care and consistent use of prescribed medicines can help reduce the chance of recurrence and improve quality of life. In children with cystic fibrosis or people with severe allergies, managing the underlying disease is important for long-term control of nasal polyps.

This article was medically reviewed in November 2026.