Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that form inside your nose or sinuses. They can get quite large and can block your nose, making it hard to breathe. You might also have a runny or stuffy nose, pressure in your face, or lose your sense of smell or taste.

Nasal polyps are more common in people with asthma, allergies, or frequent sinus infections. Sometimes, they happen with a condition called AERD (aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease). Nasal polyps are more common in patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Doctors usually treat polyps with steroid nose sprays to help shrink them. If that doesn’t work, there are other specialized medications, called biologics, that can be used if needed to help reduce symptoms and polyp size.  Surgery can remove large polyps and help you breathe better. However, polyps can come back after surgery! So regular follow-up care and preventative medication is important.

With the right treatment, most people with nasal polyps feel much better and can breathe easier again and may be able to avoid surgery! If you have symptoms that don’t go away, talk to your allergist about your symptoms.