Nasal polyps are a swelling of the lining of the nose, usually due to inflammation. They often originate from the ethmoid sinuses, which drain into the sidewall of the nasal cavity.
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A nasal polyp is a non-cancerous growth that develops in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses, usually due to inflammation. They often originate from the ethmoid sinuses, which drain into the sidewall of the nasal cavity.
The chance of developing nasal polyps is between 1 and 20 in every 1,000 people. Anyone can be affected by nasal polyps, but they are more common in men. The risk of developing nasal polyps declines after age 60.
At Welbeck, nasal polyps are diagnosed and treated by our leading ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists in our dedicated, state-of-the-art Ear, Nose & Throat centre.
Nasal polyps can sometimes cause symptoms of a cold. But unlike a cold, which will clear up in a few days on its own, nasal polyps require treatment to stop symptoms.
Symptoms of nasal polyps include:
a blocked nose
a runny nose and/or sneezing (in about half of patients)
a poor sense of smell and taste (which may not always return after treatment)
postnasal drip (a feeling of mucus dripping down the back of your throat)
snoring
nose bleeds
sinus pressure
If your nasal polyps block your sinuses, they can cause:
frequent asthma attacks (if you have asthma)
repeated sinusitis
sleep apnoea or other sleep disorders
difficulty breathing
The exact reason why some people get nasal polyps isn’t known. However, 90% of nasal polyps include inflammatory cells (known as eosinophilia), which are associated with allergies and infections.
Several risk factors are also known to increase the risk of developing nasal polyps:
late-onset asthma in adults (rather than childhood asthma) – 20% to 40% of patients presenting with polyps also have coexisting asthma
aspirin hypersensitivity – in 8% of polyp patients, aspirin sensitivity occurs alongside asthma and polyps. These polyps tend to recur more than in other conditions
cystic fibrosis
nasal allergy
hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
chronic sinusitis (sinus infections)
hypersensitivity to certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
To confirm the presence of nasal polyps, an ENT specialist will need to perform a diagnostic procedure called a nasal endoscopy. This involves inserting a small tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) into your nose. Images will appear on a screen where your ENT specialist will be able to see any nasal polyps and can also rule out infection or any unusual features. A cone beam CT scan at Welbeck can also be used to diagnose sinus polyps.
Although not all nasal polyps can be prevented, there are steps that can help reduce your risk and lower the chance of recurrence, including:
keeping allergies and asthma well-controlled with regular treatment
avoiding nasal irritants such as cigarette smoke, dust, and strong chemical fumes
using saline sprays or rinses to keep your nasal passages clear and moist
continuing prescribed nasal steroid sprays or anti-inflammatory treatments to reduce inflammation
treating sinus infections promptly and maintaining good general nasal hygiene
If left untreated, nasal polyps can cause:
blocked sinuses and recurrent or chronic sinus infections
worsening of asthma or breathing difficulties
snoring or sleep apnoea due to nasal obstruction
occasional nosebleeds or facial pressure
rarely, spread of infection to surrounding areas such as the eyes or bone
recurrence of polyps even after treatment, if inflammation is not well controlled
Medication and surgery are the main treatment options for nasal polyps. Your specialist will recommend the best line of treatment for you based on the severity of your condition.
Steroid nasal sprays or drops have been shown to shrink nasal polyps in 80% of people. Many can take up to six weeks before they fully take effect, and stronger steroid drops can be used carefully in short courses.
Steroid tablets can also work to relieve symptoms, but the effects are temporary, and they should be used in moderation due to potential side effects.
If medications aren’t effective, or if you have large polyps, sinus surgery may be required to remove them. Your specialist will likely use an endoscopy to guide one of the following minimally invasive procedures:
polypectomy - small instruments are used to clamp and remove the polyps
balloon sinuplasty - a small balloon is passed through your nostril and into your sinus cavity. It’s then inflated to unblock your nasal passages, and the polyps may also be removed at the same time
endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) - sometimes called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), small instruments are used to remove the polyps as well as diseased tissue, damaged bone and anything else that is obstructing your nasal passages
While surgery is the most effective way to treat nasal polyps, 75% of patients will have their polyps come back after an average of four years.
If your polyps return, cleaning out and opening up the sinuses is thought to increase the amount of time before they recur. Local medical treatment using anti-inflammatory sprays or drops may still be needed.
All surgical procedures have risks associated with them. Your surgeon will talk you through any procedure you need and explain any risks to you.
Side effects of nasal polyps surgery can include:
bleeding from your nose
infection
swelling and congestion
bruising around your eyes
spinal fluid leak
double vision (rare)
loss of sight (extremely rare)
At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in the treatment of nasal polyps and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient. If you suspect you have nasal polyps get in touch today to make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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The only way to get rid of nasal polyps is to undergo treatment – they won’t resolve on their own. Without treatment, nasal polyps can restrict the normal functions of your nose, and even with treatment, they can recur.
Yes, nasal polyps sometimes recur even after surgical removal or medical treatment. Regular follow-up, long-term use of nasal corticosteroids, and monitoring for early symptoms can help catch recurrences early and manage them more effectively.
Yes. Because polyps may block airflow and interfere with the olfactory (smell) receptors in the nose, patients often report reduced ability to smell, which can also diminish taste. Improvement is possible once the polyps are treated or removed.
Yes, nasal polyps can block normal sinus drainage, which may increase the risk of developing chronic sinus infections (sinusitis). Treating the underlying inflammation and keeping the nasal passages clear can help prevent these complications.
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