Medications help relieve symptoms but rarely get rid of nasal polyps.

• Nasal steroid sprays may help with nasal blockage or runny nose, but symptoms return if treatment is stopped. There are many brands available. They are safe for adults and children.
• Corticosteroid pills or liquid may also improve symptoms.
• Antibiotics should only be taken if there is a bacterial sinus infection.

Some people may need surgery, such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Removing the polyps with surgery usually makes it easier to breathe through the nose. Over time, however, nasal polyps often return. Reduced or lost sense of smell does not always improve following treatment with medicines or surgery.

• Bleeding
• Infection

Nasal polyps may come back.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you regularly have difficulty breathing through your nose.

Images

Nasal polyps

Throat anatomy

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Review Date: 10/09/2009
Reviewed By: Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)