If you do not get treatment for nasal polyps, they can cause long-term problems in your nose and sinuses. This can have a major impact on your quality of life and mental health.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”On this page” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ link_font=”||||on|||#008c99|” link_text_color=”#008c99″ link_line_height=”1.7em” ul_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#008c99″ header_3_font_size=”28px” background_color=”#F5EDDF” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
On this page:<\/strong><\/p>\n What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OHZ6SQHhSD4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”Page Content – Symptoms of Nasal Polyps – DESKTOP” module_id=”symptomsnasalpolyps” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Symptoms may be different for each person and may vary depending on your age. Common symptoms of nasal polyps may include:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”Page Content – Symptoms of Nasal Polyps – MOBILE” module_id=”symptomsnasalpolyps” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Symptoms may be different for each person and may vary depending on your age. Common symptoms of nasal polyps may include:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sinus-visit-checklist-for-nasal-polyps.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download Checklist” button_alignment=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”BUTTON: Download Nasal Polyps checklist – MOBiLE” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#28BDBA” button_font=”|600|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”6%||||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Risk of Nasal Polyps” module_id=”risknasalpolyps” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As many 4% of people in the United States have nasal polyps. They mainly affect adults over 20 years old and are uncommon in children under 10 years old.1<\/sup> Nasal polyps are 2 times more common in males, but females who develop nasal polyps usually have more severe cases.2<\/sup><\/p>\n Experts don\u2019t fully understand what causes nasal polyps. But they have found that certain conditions may play a part in developing nasal polyps. They include:<\/p>\n You may be at a higher risk of getting nasal polyps if you have:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Diagnose Nasal Polyps” module_id=”diagnosenasalpolyps” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Your doctor can make a diagnosis by asking questions about your medical and family history, your specific symptoms and doing a physical exam. This may include an exam of your nose with the help of a lighted instrument. Your doctor may also run other tests, such as:<\/p>\n If you have nasal polyps, you may see a team of doctors. They can include:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Treatment Nasal Polyps” module_id=”treatmentnasalpolyps” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are several treatments to help you manage nasal polyps. Talk with your doctor to decide which treatments are best for you.<\/p>\n Nasal corticosteroids<\/strong>\u00a0are often one of the first medicines used to treat nasal polyps. They reduce swelling and inflammation to shrink the polyps. But they may not reach deep enough into the nasal cavity to be as effective as they need to be. Common nasal corticosteroid sprays include:<\/p>\n If a nasal corticosteroid doesn\u2019t work, your doctor may suggest a short-term\u00a0oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone<\/a><\/strong>. They may prescribe it alone or in combination with a nasal spray. If your nasal polyps are severe, they may recommend an\u00a0injectable corticosteroid<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Be aware that using oral or systemic (treats your entire body) corticosteroids often or for a long time can cause major side effects. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks.<\/p>\n Use a\u00a0saline (saltwater) nose rinse\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>to remove irritants and allergens from your nose. This is a safe and inexpensive option that can improve nasal congestion. The water should be high volume but low pressure. Doing a nasal rinse before using a topical medicine nasal spray can help the medicine reach the tissue in your nose.<\/p>\n Biologics<\/strong>\u00a0are treatments that target a certain cell or protein to prevent swelling and inflammation inside the airways. They are not steroids. They are given by injection or infusion. Your doctor may prescribe a biologic if other medicines aren\u2019t working.<\/p>\n As of October 2025<\/span>, there are 4 biologics (approved by the FDA) to treat chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps:<\/p>\n People with asthma are more likely to have chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps.<\/p>\n For more severe cases,\u00a0surgery<\/strong>\u00a0may be the best choice. This may happen when polyps do not respond to medical treatments. Surgery can be done by an ENT specialist to remove nasal polyps. This is most often done on an outpatient surgical center. This means you don\u2019t have to stay in the hospital to recover.<\/p>\n During the surgery, the surgeon inserts a small tube with a lighted magnifying lens (called a tiny camera endoscope) into your sinuses. The surgeon then removes the polyps with small instruments. The surgeon may also make the openings from your nasal cavities to your sinuses larger.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Manage Nasal Polyps” module_id=”managenasalpolyps” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you have surgery to remove nasal polyps, take proper care of your sinuses to stop them from coming back. Take these steps to prevent nasal polyps from returning:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Page Content – Nasal Polyps resources” module_id=”nasalpolypswebinars” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n AAFA’s Patient-Centered Education and Care for Nasal Polyps (PEACE-NP) program offers free resources to help you better understand and manage your condition, including a video series led by top experts and a printable Sinus Visit Checklist to bring to your next appointment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/programs\/collaborations\/peace-np\/” button_text=”Explore the PEACE-NP program” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”peace np Button” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Page Content – Nasal Polyps resources – webinars” module_id=”nasalpolypswebinars” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You can also browse our full suite of nasal polyps educational webinars<\/a> for patients and caregivers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Page Content – Nasal Polyps Educational Webinars – disable once peace-np page is updated – also update the on this page” module_id=”nasalpolypswebinars” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Learn more about nasal polyps signs and symptoms, management, treatment options, and resources. Don’t miss our full suite of nasal polyps educational webinars for patients and caregivers.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video_slider disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Video Slider – NP Patient Videos\/Webinars” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” disabled=”on” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video_slider_item admin_title=”Understanding Nasal Polyps – Session 3: Biologic Treatment Options (AAFA)” src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TNgcYBRzNjk” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item admin_title=”Understanding Nasal Polyps – Session 2: Standard Treatment Options (AAFA)” src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JHzAfpGGUXg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item admin_title=”Understanding Nasal Polyps – Session 1:NP Basics (AAFA)” src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=yuhPrqBZmPM” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item admin_title=”Do I Have Nasal Polyps – Podcast (AAFA)” src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=scxcGgkiPjg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item admin_title=”Strategies to Address Nasal Polyps (Medlive-Expired)” src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ij-RIZRYs5A” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item admin_title=”Personalized Care Nasal Polyps – Webinar (Medlive-Expired)” src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uzFR0PXDaKs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][\/et_pb_video_slider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Medical Review” module_class=”med-rev” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#008C99″ link_font_size=”16px” header_5_font=”|600|||||||” header_5_text_align=”left” header_5_text_color=”#008c99″ custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Medical Review: July 2024 by John James, MD. Updated April 2026.\u00a0<\/small><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ toggle_icon=”L||divi||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”References – Accordion” module_id=”references” module_class=”accord pa-accordion” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”22px” closed_toggle_font=”|600|||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”22px” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#505050″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” body_link_font=”||||on|||#008C99|” text_orientation=”left” height=”24″ custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” custom_css_free_form=”.et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| font-size: 20px;|| position: absolute;|| color: #FFFFFF;|| font-family: ETmodules !important;|| font-weight: 400 !important;|| content: %22%924c%22 !important;|| right: 2% !important;|| display: inline-block !important;||}||.accord .et_pb_toggle_content {|| color: #008c99;|| font-size: 16px;|| font-weight: 500;||}” border_width_all=”0px” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Closed” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”References” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_code admin_label=”Print” module_id=”print” module_class=”clearfix” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”5156″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Who is at risk of getting nasal polyps?<\/a>
How do doctors diagnose nasal polyps?<\/a>
What treatments are available for nasal polyps?<\/a>
How can I manage nasal polyps and stop them from coming back?<\/a>
Nasal polyps educational webinars<\/a><\/p>\nWhat Are the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?<\/h3>\n
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What Are the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?<\/h3>\n
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![\"Sinus](\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sinus-visit-checklist-web-lg.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWho Is at Risk of Getting Nasal Polyps?<\/h3>\n
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How Do Doctors Diagnose Nasal Polyps?<\/h3>\n
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What Treatments Are Available for Nasal Polyps?<\/h3>\n
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How Can I Manage Nasal Polyps and Stop Them from Coming Back?<\/h3>\n
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More Resources for Nasal Polyps<\/h3>\n
Nasal Polyps Educational Webinars<\/h3>\n
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