Nasal Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Nasal polyps are a common cause of persistent nasal blockage, loss of smell, and sinus problems. Many patients assume they have a “blocked nose” or allergies, but in some cases the underlying issue is chronic inflammation leading to polyp formation.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, we provide specialist assessment and advanced treatment for patients with nasal polyps across Portsmouth, Winchester, Salisbury and the South Coast.
👃 What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that develop from the lining of the nose and sinuses.
They are caused by long-term inflammation, most commonly seen in a condition called chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).
Polyps can vary in size:
Small polyps may cause minimal symptoms
Larger polyps can block the nose completely
🤧 Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
Common symptoms include:
Persistent blocked nose (often both sides)
Loss or reduction of smell (very common)
Runny nose or post-nasal drip
Facial pressure or sinus discomfort
Mouth breathing or snoring
Recurrent sinus infections
A key feature is that symptoms are often long-standing and do not fully respond to simple treatments.
🧬 What Causes Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are linked to chronic inflammation of the nasal lining.
Common associated conditions include:
Allergies (allergic rhinitis)
Asthma
Aspirin sensitivity (AERD)
Chronic sinus infection or inflammation
Overactive Type 2 (eosinophilic) inflammation
This explains why polyps often come back if the underlying inflammation is not controlled.
🩺 How Are Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is straightforward with an ENT assessment:
Nasal endoscopy (small camera inside the nose)
Symptom history
CT scan (if surgery is being considered)
This allows accurate assessment of polyp size, sinus involvement, and severity.
💊 Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and improving airflow.
1. Medical Treatment (First-Line)
Most patients start with:
Nasal steroid sprays (long-term control)
Saline rinses
Short courses of oral steroids (in selected cases)
These can shrink polyps and improve symptoms.
2. Sinus Surgery (FESS)
If symptoms persist despite medication, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) may be recommended.
This involves:
Removing polyps
Opening sinus drainage pathways
Improving access for ongoing medical treatment
Surgery is minimally invasive (through the nose) and often performed as a day case.
3. Biologic Therapy (Advanced Treatment)
For patients with severe or recurrent polyps, biologic medications are now available.
These include:
Dupilumab (Dupixent®)
Omalizumab (Xolair®)
Mepolizumab (Nucala®)
They target the underlying inflammatory pathways, helping to:
Reduce polyp size
Improve sense of smell
Reduce need for surgery or steroids
🔁 Do Nasal Polyps Come Back?
They can — particularly if the underlying inflammation is not controlled.
Long-term management is key:
Regular nasal sprays
Follow-up with ENT
Treating associated conditions (e.g. asthma, allergy)
With modern treatments, recurrence can often be significantly reduced.
🌟 Why Choose Hampshire ENT Clinics?
Specialist expertise in sinus disease and nasal polyps
Access to advanced sinus surgery (FESS)
Experience with biologic therapies
Consultant-led care across Hampshire
Personalised long-term treatment plans
📞 Book a Consultation
If you have a blocked nose, reduced sense of smell, or ongoing sinus symptoms, nasal polyps may be the cause.
👉 Contact Hampshire ENT Clinics today for expert assessment and tailored treatment.
Nasal Polyps – Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have nasal polyps rather than a normal blocked nose?
A key clue is the combination of:
Persistent blockage on both sides
Reduced or lost sense of smell
Symptoms lasting months rather than weeks
Unlike a cold or simple rhinitis, symptoms tend to be long-standing and only partially responsive to sprays.
Why do nasal polyps affect my sense of smell so much?
Polyps physically block airflow to the olfactory (smell) area high in the nose and also reflect underlying inflammation affecting smell receptors.
This is why loss of smell is often one of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms.
Can nasal polyps be seen without a camera?
Large polyps can sometimes be visible on simple examination, but most require nasal endoscopy for accurate diagnosis.
A camera allows:
Confirmation of the diagnosis
Assessment of size and extent
Identification of associated sinus disease
Are nasal polyps dangerous?
Nasal polyps are benign (non-cancerous) and not dangerous in themselves.
However, they can significantly affect:
Breathing
Sleep
Quality of life
Risk of recurrent infections
Rarely, unusual features may require further investigation.
Why do nasal polyps keep coming back?
Polyps are not just a “growth” — they are a sign of ongoing inflammation.
If the underlying inflammation (often Type 2/eosinophilic) is not controlled, polyps can recur even after surgery.
This is why long-term treatment is essential.
Do nasal sprays actually work for polyps?
Yes — but consistency is key.
Steroid sprays:
Reduce inflammation
Help shrink polyps
Improve symptoms over time
They are most effective when used long-term and correctly, often alongside saline rinses.
When are oral steroids used?
Short courses of oral steroids may be used to:
Rapidly reduce polyp size
Improve smell
Settle severe symptoms
However, they are not a long-term solution due to potential side effects.
When should I consider sinus surgery (FESS)?
Surgery is usually recommended when:
Symptoms persist despite optimal medical treatment
Polyps are large or causing significant blockage
There is recurrent infection or severe loss of smell
Surgery is part of a combined long-term management plan, not a standalone cure.
Will surgery permanently cure nasal polyps?
Surgery improves symptoms by:
Removing polyps
Opening sinus pathways
Allowing sprays to work more effectively
However, because the condition is inflammatory, ongoing treatment is usually required to maintain results.
What are biologic treatments and who are they for?
Biologic therapies are newer medications used in moderate to severe nasal polyps, particularly when:
Polyps recur after surgery
Oral steroids are needed repeatedly
There is associated asthma or severe inflammation
They work by targeting specific inflammatory pathways rather than just treating symptoms.
How do biologics compare to surgery?
They are different approaches rather than direct alternatives:
Surgery: improves anatomy and airflow
Biologics: control underlying inflammation
In some patients, biologics reduce the need for surgery; in others, they are used after surgery to prevent recurrence.
Can nasal polyps be linked to asthma?
Yes — strongly.
Many patients with nasal polyps also have:
Asthma
Aspirin sensitivity (AERD)
This reflects a shared inflammatory pathway affecting both the upper and lower airways.
Why is specialist ENT assessment important?
Nasal polyps can look similar to other conditions, and treatment depends on:
Correct diagnosis
Severity of disease
Presence of sinus involvement
Underlying inflammatory type
A specialist assessment ensures the right treatment pathway from the outset.
What is the biggest misconception about nasal polyps?
That they are simply “blocked sinuses”.
In reality, nasal polyps are part of a chronic inflammatory condition, which is why management needs to be long-term and tailored, not just a one-off treatment.