Nasal Polyps – Understanding and Treating This Common Cause of Blocked Nose
If you suffer from a constantly blocked or runny nose, reduced sense of smell, or a feeling of pressure in your face, nasal polyps may be the cause. These soft, non-cancerous growths develop inside the nose or sinuses and can make breathing through the nose difficult.
At Hampshire ENT clinics, we offer comprehensive assessment and the latest treatments for nasal polyps — from advanced medical therapy to minimally invasive surgery.
👃 What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are small, jelly-like swellings of the lining of the nose or sinuses. They are linked to inflammation and are often seen in people with:
Chronic rhinosinusitis (long-term sinus inflammation)
Asthma
Aspirin sensitivity (Samter’s triad)
Allergic rhinitis
Polyps can affect one or both sides of the nose and may gradually enlarge over time.
⚠️ Common Symptoms
Constant nasal blockage or congestion
Runny nose or postnasal drip
Reduced or lost sense of smell
Facial pressure or fullness
Snoring or mouth breathing
If you have symptoms on both sides of the nose that persist for more than 12 weeks, an ENT assessment is recommended.
💊 Modern Treatments for Nasal Polyps
1. Medication
Nasal steroid sprays are often the first line of treatment.
Oral steroids may be used short-term for more severe cases.
Biologic therapies (such as dupilumab) can help patients with large or recurrent polyps that don’t respond to standard treatment.
2. Surgery – Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
For patients whose symptoms persist despite medical treatment, endoscopic sinus surgery can remove polyps and open blocked sinus pathways.
Performed through the nostrils — no external scars
Often combined with image guidance for safety and precision
Usually a day-case procedure with quick recovery
🌟 Ongoing Care
After surgery, continued use of nasal sprays or biologic therapy helps prevent polyps from returning. Regular follow-up ensures long-term control of symptoms and quality of life.
📍 Nasal Polyp Treatment in Hampshire
At Hampshire ENT clinics, we provide expert, consultant-led care for nasal polyps and sinus problems using the latest medical and surgical advances. Clinics available at Portsmouth, Winchester & Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.
👉 If you think you may have nasal polyps or chronic sinus symptoms, contact Hampshire ENT to arrange an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Nasal Polyps
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous swellings of the lining of the nose or sinuses. They develop due to chronic inflammation and can gradually enlarge, leading to nasal blockage, reduced sense of smell, and sinus symptoms.
What causes nasal polyps?
They are commonly associated with:
Chronic rhinosinusitis
Asthma
Aspirin sensitivity (Samter’s triad)
Allergic rhinitis
They are not caused by infection alone and are not contagious.
What symptoms suggest nasal polyps?
Typical symptoms include:
Persistent nasal blockage on both sides
Runny nose or postnasal drip
Reduced or lost sense of smell
Facial pressure or fullness
Snoring or mouth breathing
If symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, specialist ENT assessment is recommended.
How are nasal polyps diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made by an ENT specialist using nasal endoscopy, a small camera examination of the nose. CT scanning may be used if surgery is being considered or to assess the sinuses in more detail.
Are nasal polyps dangerous?
Nasal polyps themselves are benign. However, untreated polyps can significantly affect quality of life, sleep, smell, and breathing, and may worsen asthma or sinus disease.
What treatments are available for nasal polyps?
Treatment depends on severity and response to medication:
Nasal steroid sprays are first-line treatment
Short courses of oral steroids may be used for flare-ups
Biologic therapies may be appropriate for severe or recurrent disease
Endoscopic sinus surgery is considered if symptoms persist despite medical treatment
When is surgery recommended?
Surgery is advised when symptoms remain troublesome despite appropriate medical therapy. The aim is to remove polyps and improve sinus drainage, making long-term medical treatment more effective.
What is functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)?
FESS is a minimally invasive procedure performed through the nostrils:
No external scars
Often a day-case operation
Can use image guidance for accuracy and safety
Designed to improve airflow, drainage, and symptom control
Can nasal polyps come back after treatment or surgery?
Yes. Nasal polyps are a chronic inflammatory condition, so ongoing treatment with nasal sprays or other therapies is usually needed to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Will treatment improve my sense of smell?
Many patients notice improvement in smell once inflammation and blockage are reduced, particularly after effective medical therapy or surgery. Recovery varies between individuals.
Where can I be assessed and treated?
You can be assessed at Hampshire ENT Clinics, with consultant-led care available across Hampshire, including Portsmouth, Winchester, Salisbury, and surrounding areas.