Understanding Your Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps

A nasal polyp might sound like something you’d only find in a medical textbook, but these soft, painless growths in your nasal passages are surprisingly common. For some people, they’re small and barely noticeable. For others, they can grow large enough to cause significant breathing problems, sinus infections, facial pressure, and a constantly runny nose. 

The range in severity means not everyone will experience the same symptoms, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Left untreated, nasal polyps can block airflow, disrupt your sleep, lead to chronic sinusitis, or even affect your sense of smell. But with early intervention, it’s possible to avoid these complications. 

Symptoms of nasal polyps can overlap with those of other common conditions, such as allergies or sinus infections. If you’ve been experiencing congestion, facial discomfort, or a reduced sense of smell, it’s worth consulting a specialist.  Mani Zadeh, MD, is a board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist with years of experience diagnosing and treating nasal polyps.

 Dr. Zadeh combines expert insight with advanced technology to identify the root cause of the issue and provide the most effective treatment. In this blog, he’ll walk you through what nasal polyps are, why they form, and the full range of treatment options available.

What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that form in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They develop due to chronic inflammation, often associated with conditions such as asthma, allergies, chronic sinus infections, or sensitivity to aspirin. While small polyps might not cause noticeable symptoms, larger ones or clusters can block your sinuses and nasal passages, making it hard to breathe.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent nasal congestion
• Runny nose or postnasal drip
• Facial pain or pressure
• Reduced or lost sense of smell
• Frequent sinus infections

Because these symptoms are similar to other common nasal issues, it’s easy to brush them off. But when they persist, it’s time to see Dr. Zadeh.

How are nasal polyps diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms. Dr. Zadeh may use a nasal endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera) to get a clear view of your nasal passages. Imaging, such as a CT scan, might also be recommended to assess the extent of the polyps and rule out other conditions.

Why early diagnosis matters

Catching nasal polyps early can make a big difference. When diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is often less invasive and more effective. Waiting too long can lead to complications, such as chronic sinus infections, sleep disturbances, or even structural changes in your sinuses.

Since nasal polyps tend to come back, early and ongoing care can help prevent future flare-ups. Many people don’t realize they have nasal polyps until the symptoms start affecting their daily life. If you’re relying heavily on over-the-counter medications, or if your symptoms keep returning despite treatment, you may have nasal polyps. 

Treatment options for nasal polyps

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for nasal polyps. Treatment depends on the size of the polyps, the severity of your symptoms, and whether underlying conditions, such as allergies or asthma, are contributing to the problem. Here’s what treatment may look like:

Medications

The first line of treatment usually involves medication to shrink the polyps and reduce inflammation. These might include:

• Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce swelling and shrink polyps
• Oral corticosteroids for more severe symptoms
• Antihistamines or decongestants if allergies are involved
• Biologic therapies (like Dupixent®) that target inflammation in recurrent polyps

These medications are typically effective for mild to moderate polyps. Regular follow-up is crucial for monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed.

Surgery

If medication doesn’t provide enough relief, or if polyps are very large and causing significant blockage, Dr. Zadeh may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery. This procedure removes the polyps and clears the sinuses to restore normal airflow.

It’s minimally invasive, typically performed under general anesthesia, and involves little downtime. Most importantly, surgery provides long-term relief and can significantly improve your quality of life when other treatments haven’t worked.

Managing underlying conditions

To prevent polyps from returning, it’s crucial to manage any contributing health issues. Dr. Zadeh works closely with each patient to develop a comprehensive care plan that may include allergy management, asthma treatment, or lifestyle changes.

Living with nasal polyps shouldn’t be your normal. With early diagnosis and the right treatment, you can get long-term relief. Whether you’re just starting to notice symptoms or you’ve been battling sinus issues for years, Dr. Mani Zadeh is the best person to help you breathe freely again. Schedule a consultation today.