a condition that can cause a stuffy nose, pain in the face, and discharge (mucus) from the nose (figure 2). Doctors do not know why some people get nasal polyps. ‚
What are the symptoms of nasal polyps? " ” Small polyps often do not cause any symptoms. Large polyps or having more than one polyp can cause: ‚
- Stuffiness or a blocked feeling in the nose
- Feelings of pressure or fullness in the face
- Trouble smelling
Will I need tests? " ” Maybe. Your doctor or nurse will probably be able to tell if you have nasal polyps by doing an exam. He or she will probably look into your nose with a special tool that has a light on it. He or she might also suggest that you have a CT scan. A CT scan is an imaging test that takes a picture of the inside of your nose and sinuses. ‚
How are nasal polyps treated? " ” Nasal polyps are usually treated with medicines called steroids that come in pills or as a nose spray. Steroids used for nasal polyps are not the same steroids that athletes take to build muscle. These steroids can help shrink the polyps and make it easier to breathe. ‚
If steroid medicines dont shrink your polyps, your doctor might suggest surgery. But in most people, polyps tend to come back after surgery. So even if you have surgery, you must also keep using steroids, usually in the form of nose sprays or nose drops. ‚
Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? " ” Yes. Some people feel better if they rinse their nose and sinuses with salt water a few times a day. Ask your doctor or nurse if this would help in your case. If so, he or she can tell you the best way to do this. ‚
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. ‚
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. ‚
Topic 83335 Version 2.0 ‚
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 ‚
‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚
figure 1
Sinuses of the face
This drawing shows the sinuses of the face.
Graphic 75045 Version 5.0
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Sinuses of the face
This drawing shows the sinuses of the face.
Graphic 75045 Version 5.0
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figure 2
Chronic sinusitis with polyps
This figure depicts a person who has chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (abnormal growths inside the nose or sinuses). Scientists do not know why polyps develop.
Graphic 64506 Version 2.0
View Originalfigure 2
Chronic sinusitis with polyps
This figure depicts a person who has chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (abnormal growths inside the nose or sinuses). Scientists do not know why polyps develop.
Graphic 64506 Version 2.0
View Original
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