Nasal polyps

Overview

Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths from long-term swelling in the sinuses.

They're linked to asthma and aspirin sensitivity.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Stuffy nose and loss of smell
• Stuffy nose and poor smell for months
• Loss of taste or smell

Less common

• Snoring
• Postnasal drip

When to get medical care

Causes

Inflammation.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Asthma

Diagnosis

Scope exam.

Treatment

Use sprays.

Self-care

• Saline rinses
• Rinse with saline daily

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat allergies and asthma

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults with asthma: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Do I need surgery?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Nasal polyps