Dr. Jayanthi T V

Consultant - ENT

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Reviewed by

Dr. Jayanthi T V

Consultant - ENT

Manipal Hospitals, Malleshwaram

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Allergic Nasal Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options

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Nasal and sinus passages develop noncancerous growths known as allergic nasal polyps because of long-term inflammatory conditions triggered by allergies. Many people misunderstand these prevalent conditions. Scientific research shows that chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps impacts 2-4% of global individuals. Untreated polyps may create health problems, including obstructive sleep apnoea and sinus infections. This blog delves into the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for allergic nasal polyps.

What Are Allergic Nasal Polyps?

The noncancerous inflamed tissues, known as allergic nasal polyps, form soft, painless structures within the nasal passages and sinuses. Persistent inflammation leads to allergic nasal polyps, which commonly begin because of allergic reactions, asthma, or related immune system activities. The growths obstruct nasal passages and cause breathing problems, along with recurrent infections.

Nasal exposure to allergens such as dust, pollen, or pet dander triggers the immune system to produce inflammatory chemicals. Persistent chronic sinus inflammation caused by this process leads to tissue swelling, eventually producing polyps. These polyps differ from common swelling related to colds or infections because medical intervention is necessary for their removal.

Difference Between Allergy-Related Nasal Polyps and Other Types

Nasal polyps do not necessarily develop as an allergic reaction. Some result from infections, immune disorders, or unknown factors. Allergy-related nasal polyps exhibit these specific differences compared to other types of nasal polyps.

Allergy-Related Nasal Polyps:

These polyps commonly occur when people experience nasal congestion or allergic conditions.
Nasal polyps tend to develop in both nostrils during a single occurrence (bilateral polyps).
The tissue develops polyps due to extensive contact with allergens.
Diagnosis and treatment of allergies through testing for allergies can help symptoms improve.

Other Types of Nasal Polyps:

Nasal polyps occur due to prolonged infections, cystic fibrosis, and aspirin sensitivity.
These nasal polyps develop only in one of the nostrils.
Severe nasal polyps demand specialised medical treatment that includes surgical removal.

Causes and Risk Factors

Long-standing inflammation inside the nasal passages results in the formation of allergic nasal polyps. The repetitive irritation triggers swelling followed by fluid accumulation that eventually develops into soft, painless growths.

Primary Causes of Allergic Nasal Polyps

The leading causes for developing nasal polyps consist of the following two factors:

Allergic Reactions – Nasal allergens activate the immune system to trigger excessive responses, leading to allergic congestion alongside allergy symptoms. This persistent inflammation eventually generates polyp growth.
Chronic Sinus Inflammation – Allergy-related nasal polyps reproduce within the sinus inflammation that lasts for an extended period. Nasal inflammation starts from allergic reactions along with various types of infections and problems with the immune system.

Common Allergens That Trigger Nasal Polyps

Chronic sinus inflammation intensifies when people encounter daily allergens, resulting in polyp development. Different causes known to trigger allergy-related nasal polyps include the following:

The seasonal pollen from trees, grass, and flowers serves as a common trigger.
Dust Mites exist as small organisms that thrive in bedding materials, carpets, and upholstery.
Skin flakes that accumulate on pets and other fur-bearing animals, called Pet Dander, can also trigger this condition.
Inflammation gets worse when people expose themselves to cigarette smoke or strong fumes in the air.

Other Risk Factors for Nasal Polyps

Health conditions coupled with genetic factors can boost a person's risk of developing allergic nasal polyps:

Asthma – Health conditions such as asthma affect 40 percent of patients in developing nasal polyp symptoms.
Chronic Sinus Infections – Increasing infections result in persistent inflammation, which creates higher risks for polyp development.
Genetics – Nasal polyp development becomes more likely when individuals have family members who have experienced the condition in the past.
Aspirin Sensitivity – The consumption of aspirin triggers strong immune responses that result in severe nasal swelling and polyp appearance.
Cystic Fibrosis – Cystic Fibrosis produces a genetic condition affecting mucus production to create nasal congestion and allergies.

Allergic Nasal Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options

Symptoms of Allergic Nasal Polyps

Allergic nasal polyps can cause persistent discomfort and affect daily life. Since they develop gradually, many people mistake them for common colds or sinus infections. Recognising nasal polyps symptoms early can help in seeking the right treatment by visiting an experienced ENT specialist in Bangalore.

Common Symptoms of Allergic Nasal Polyps

If you have allergy-related nasal polyps, you may experience:

Nasal Congestion – A constant stuffy nose that doesn’t improve with regular decongestants.
Runny Nose – Excess mucus production, often mistaken for seasonal allergies.
Sneezing – Frequent sneezing due to nasal irritation and chronic sinus inflammation.
Reduced Sense of Smell and Taste – Enlarged polyps block airflow and olfactory receptors, leading to loss of smell.
Facial Pressure or Headache – Large polyps press against the sinuses, causing discomfort and headaches.
Postnasal Drip – A feeling of mucus dripping down the throat, leading to irritation and coughing.
Snoring or Sleep Disturbances – Blocked airways can cause loud snoring or even sleep apnea.

How Symptoms Differ from a Cold or Sinus Infection

Allergic nasal polyps can feel like a long-lasting cold, but there are key differences:

Feature	Allergic Nasal Polyps	Cold/Sinus Infection
Duration	Persistent (weeks to months)	Usually lasts 7–14 days
Nasal Congestion	Chronic and worsens over time	Improves as infection clears
Fever	No fever	Fever may be present
Sneezing	Common due to allergy triggers	Less common unless allergy-related
Sense of Smell	Gradually reduced, may not return without treatment	Temporary loss due to mucus buildup
Facial Pain	Mild to moderate pressure	Can be severe in sinus infections

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical help from our best ENT specialists in Malleshwaram if:

Your nasal congestion and allergies last longer than 10 days.
You have difficulty breathing or sleeping due to blocked nasal passages.
Your sense of smell does not return after cold or allergy treatment.
Home remedies and over-the-counter medications do not provide relief.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation

An experienced ENT specialist may diagnose allergic nasal polyps through a combination of physical exams and specialised tests. Nasal endoscopy involves inserting a small camera into the nostrils to check for polyps.

Imaging tests like CT scans provide detailed views of sinus blockages. Allergy testing, a skin prick test, helps identify triggers causing chronic sinus inflammation. Identifying underlying allergies is crucial for effective nasal polyp treatment in Malleshwaram, as managing allergies can prevent recurrence. This is available in our Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram.

Read our blog: Everything You Need to Know About Allergies: Symptoms & Treatment

Nasal Polyps Treatment

Managing allergic nasal polyps involves a combination of medications, allergy control, and, in severe cases, surgery. Doctors often prescribe steroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation and shrink polyps. Antihistamines help control nasal congestion and allergies, while decongestants provide temporary relief. If allergies are the root cause, immunotherapy medicine for particular allergens can help the immune system become less reactive to triggers like pollen or dust.

Avoiding allergens is also key in preventing flare-ups and the need for nasal polyp surgery. When medications fail, and breathing becomes difficult, surgery may be necessary. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure where doctors remove polyps using a small camera and specialised tools.

For those considering surgery, first consult our best ENT specialists in Malleshwaram to determine the best treatment approach.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

Simple lifestyle changes can help manage allergic nasal polyps and reduce symptoms. Steam inhalation keeps nasal passages moist and eases congestion. Saline rinses flush out allergens and reduce chronic sinus inflammation, while humidifiers prevent dryness that can worsen symptoms.

A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and leafy greens may help control inflammation. Managing environmental allergens by keeping homes dust-free, using air purifiers, and avoiding strong odours can also prevent flare-ups. Those struggling with persistent symptoms should consider allergy testing near me to identify triggers and seek the right treatment.

Prevention and Long-Term Management

Prevention of nasal polyps involves reducing inflammation and controlling allergies. Regular use of steroids in nasal sprays can keep polyps from growing back. Identifying and avoiding allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander is essential. Practising good nasal hygiene with saline rinses and maintaining indoor air quality with purifiers can also help.

Conclusion

Allergic nasal polyps develop due to nasal congestion and allergies, leading to symptoms like breathing difficulties, loss of smell, and sinus pressure. Treatments range from medications and natural remedies for nasal polyps to nasal polyp surgery for severe cases. Early diagnosis, proactive management, and lifestyle changes can prevent complications.

If you experience persistent symptoms, seek professional advice at Manipal Hospital’s ENT clinic for nasal polyps in Malleshwaram to explore treatment options, including consultation with sinus surgery specialists at Manipal Hospital, Malleshwaram.

Don't ignore your symptoms—take action for better nasal health today!