Understanding Nasal Polyps: How They Affect Breathing and Treatment Options

Struggling to breathe through your nose or dealing with constant congestion? Nasal polyps are a common but often overlooked cause of breathing problems and sinus issues. This blog explains what they are, how they affect your breathing, and the available tr

Many people who struggle with breathing problems, facial pressure, or recurring sinus infections assume allergies or a stubborn cold cause the symptoms. What they don’t realize is that nasal polyps are a common and often overlooked cause of these symptoms.

Nasal polyps affect an estimated 1-4% of American adults, and they’re especially common in people with chronic sinus inflammation, asthma, or allergies.

This condition may be the reason behind your persistent congestion, mouth breathing, poor sleep, frequent sinus infections, or fatigue. However, it’s treatable with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Successful treatment depends on working with an experienced ENT specialist who can accurately identify and manage nasal polyps.

Mani Zadeh, MD, is experienced in diagnosing and managing this specific condition. Here, he explains what nasal polyps are, how they affect breathing, the symptoms to watch for, and the available treatment options.

What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop inside the nasal passages or sinuses. They result from chronic inflammation of the nose lining and sinuses. Over time, the swelling causes the tissue to bulge outward, creating polyp-like growths.

Nasal polyps are usually painless and can go unnoticed. However, as they grow larger or multiply, they can block your airflow and interfere with normal sinus drainage. Polyps can occur on one or both sides of the nose and often develop with chronic sinusitis. They’re linked to inflammation, so they tend to come back if you don’t treat the underlying condition.

How nasal polyps affect breathing

One of the most common effects of nasal polyps is difficulty breathing through the nose. As polyps grow, they physically block the nasal passages, reducing airflow, making it feel like your nose is constantly stuffed, even when there’s no mucus.

Blocked airflow often leads to mouth breathing, especially at night. Mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, sore throat, poor sleep quality, and snoring. Over time, disrupted sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

Nasal polyps can also block sinus drainage pathways. When mucus can’t drain properly, it builds up in the sinuses, creating an environment where infections are more likely to develop, leading to recurring or long-lasting sinus infections that don’t resolve with medication.

What causes nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps develop due to chronic inflammation, but the exact cause isn’t always clear. Certain conditions increase the risk, including chronic sinusitis, asthma, allergies, aspirin sensitivity, and immune system disorders.

When the nasal lining stays inflamed for long periods, the tissue becomes swollen and irritated. Over time, this ongoing inflammation leads to the formation of polyps. Genetics may also play a role, as some people are more prone to chronic inflammation than others.

Treatment options for nasal polyps

Treatment for nasal polyps depends on their size, severity, and impact on your breathing and daily life. Treatment helps reduce inflammation, shrink or remove the polyps, and restore normal airflow and sinus function.

Medications are often the first step. These may include nasal steroid sprays, oral steroids, or other anti-inflammatory treatments designed to reduce swelling and shrink polyps. For some people, medication provides significant relief.

However, when polyps are large, recurring, or not responding to medication, Dr. Zadeh may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery. This minimally invasive procedure removes polyps and opens blocked sinus pathways, allowing your nose and sinuses to function properly again.

If you’ve been struggling with constant congestion, breathing difficulty, or frequent sinus infections, nasal polyps may be the cause. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

Suspect nasal polyps are affecting your breathing? Mani Zadeh, MD, offers comprehensive care. Book a consultation today.