Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths in the lining of the nose and sinuses. They are not dangerous, but when they block the nose or take away your sense of smell, an ENT specialist can shrink them and keep them from coming back.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Marwan Alhalalmeh, ENT Specialist · Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Overview
Nasal polyps are soft, teardrop-shaped swellings that grow from the inflamed lining of the nose and sinuses. They are linked to long-term inflammation, and are more common in people with asthma, allergies, recurrent sinusitis, or aspirin sensitivity. Small polyps may cause no symptoms; larger ones block airflow, lead to repeated sinus infections, and are one of the most common causes of a lasting loss of smell. They are benign — not cancer — but because they sit deep in the nose, an ENT specialist uses a nasal endoscope to confirm them and judge their size. Most respond well to steroid sprays or drops that shrink them; when polyps are large or persistent, day-case endoscopic sinus surgery removes them and opens the sinuses. Polyps can regrow, so ongoing nasal-spray treatment after surgery is an important part of keeping them away.
Symptoms
- A persistently blocked or stuffy nose
- A reduced or complete loss of smell and taste
- A runny nose or constant post-nasal drip
- Repeated or lingering sinus infections
- A feeling of pressure over the forehead or face
- Snoring, or breathing through the mouth
When to see a doctor
- A blocked nose or lost smell that does not improve with sprays
- Sinus infections that keep coming back
- Symptoms that are clearly worse on one side of the nose
- Asthma that worsens alongside the nasal symptoms
- Any bleeding, or sudden changes in vision (seek prompt care)
Treatment options
- Nasal endoscopy to confirm the polyps and measure their extent
- Steroid nasal sprays or drops to shrink polyps and ease blockage
- A short course of steroid tablets for larger polyps when appropriate
- Treating the underlying allergy, asthma, or sinus inflammation
- Day-case endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for large or persistent polyps
Common questions
Are nasal polyps dangerous or cancerous?
Nasal polyps are benign — they are not cancer. They cause trouble by blocking the nose and the sinuses rather than by spreading. Because other growths can look similar, an ENT specialist examines them with an endoscope to be sure, especially if they are only on one side.
Will nasal polyps go away on their own?
Small polyps can shrink with steroid sprays or drops, but they rarely disappear completely without treatment, and large ones usually need surgery. The inflammation that causes them tends to continue, so ongoing treatment keeps them under control.
Do nasal polyps come back after surgery?
They can. Surgery removes the polyps and opens the sinuses, but the underlying inflammation remains, so polyps may regrow over months or years. Using a steroid nasal spray regularly after surgery, as advised, greatly slows this down.
Can nasal polyps cause loss of smell?
Yes — polyps are one of the most common causes of a lasting reduced or lost sense of smell, because they block odours from reaching the smell area high in the nose. Smell often improves once the polyps are shrunk or removed.
What raises the risk of nasal polyps?
Long-term inflammation in the nose is the key factor. Polyps are more common in people with asthma, allergic rhinitis, recurrent sinusitis, or sensitivity to aspirin and similar painkillers. Controlling these conditions is part of treating the polyps.
Further reading
General information about this topic from an independent health authority:
NHSIf a blocked nose or fading sense of smell will not settle, Dr. Marwan can check for polyps and treat them to get you breathing and smelling clearly again.
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