Nasal Polyps: The FAQs You’ve Been Searching For

The subtle shift in your breathing, the persistent feeling of fullness in your sinuses, the world around you losing its familiar scents—these changes can be unsettling and hint at more than just a passing cold. Nasal polyps, those often silent growths within your nasal passages, can insidiously alter your daily experience, impacting everything from your sleep to your sense of taste. 

Understanding this common condition is the first step towards finding relief and breathing freely once again. Let’s address some of the most commonly asked questions about nasal polyps to help you better grasp what might be occurring and what solutions exist. 

What Kind of Doctor Treats Nasal Polyps?

The specialist you’ll want to see is an Otolaryngologist, often referred to as an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor. These medical professionals are experts in all things related to your nasal passages, sinuses, throat, and ears and undergo extensive training to understand and treat conditions like nasal polyps.

Moreover, an ENT has the specialized knowledge and tools needed to figure out exactly what’s going on. This might involve a thorough physical exam, a closer look inside your nasal passages using a thin, flexible scope with a tiny camera, and sometimes even imaging like CT scans to get a really clear picture. 

Can You Feel Nasal Polyps With Your Finger?

Probably not—and it’s best not to try. Think of your nasal passages and sinuses as intricate, internal airways where these soft growths reside out of easy reach. Trying to feel for them yourself is unlikely to work and could cause irritation or introduce bacteria. Their soft, often gelatinous consistency also makes them difficult to palpate externally. An ENT will instead use tools like nasal endoscopes to visualize and diagnose nasal polyps. 

Can Nasal Polyps Fall Out?

​​Because nasal polyps are anchored to the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses, it’s unlikely that they “fall out” on their own. They might sometimes decrease in size with medication, especially smaller ones, but generally, nasal polyps need medical intervention if they’re causing noticeable problems and a complete resolution is desired. 

If you ever observe any tissue or growth sticking out of your nose, it’s important to get it checked by an ENT to understand what it is and the best way to manage it. Attempting to remove any nasal growth yourself isn’t recommended.

Do Nasal Polyps Bleed?

Significant bleeding isn’t typically a hallmark sign of nasal polyps. These growths are generally quite passive; their main impact is more about causing blockages and affecting your sense of smell. However, just like any delicate tissue in your nasal passages, polyps can sometimes become a little irritated, perhaps from dryness or minor trauma, which could lead to occasional, light nosebleeds.

So, while you might experience a minor nosebleed here and there if you have nasal polyps, it’s not the norm. If you find yourself dealing with frequent or heavy nosebleeds, it’s definitely a signal to get things checked out, as there could be other reasons for the bleeding that need attention.

Can Nasal Polyps Be Cancerous?

This is a common concern for many patients. The good news is that nasal polyps are overwhelmingly non-cancerous. Typically, they arise from inflammation within the nasal passages, not from cancerous cells. That said, appearances can sometimes be deceiving in the medical world, so it’s always a good idea to have any unusual growths in your nose examined. This ensures an accurate understanding of what’s happening and can determine the appropriate course of action, if any.

Are Nasal Polyps Dangerous?

While you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing nasal polyps aren’t cancerous, it doesn’t mean they’re entirely harmless. If they get too big or stick around for too long, they can cause a surprising amount of disruption:

• Worsen asthma: The inflammation in your nose can actually make asthma symptoms flare up.
• Cause more sinus infections: Polyps can block the natural drainage pathways in your sinuses, leading to more frequent, frustrating infections.
• Sleep troubles: Significant nasal blockage from polyps can even contribute to breathing difficulties during sleep, like obstructive sleep apnea.
• Loss of smell and taste: This can really impact your daily life, making food less enjoyable and potentially even affecting your safety.

Can Nasal Polyps Disappear on Their Own?

Nasal polyps that just magically vanish is a nice thought; however, the reality is that once they’ve established themselves, they rarely disappear on their own. In very mild instances, perhaps linked to a short period of inflammation, the smallest polyps might shrink or become less bothersome.

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, it’s more likely that the polyps will continue to be an issue. Counting on them to spontaneously resolve can mean prolonged discomfort. Seeking timely advice and treatment from an ENT doctor is generally the most effective way to find lasting relief.

Can Nasal Polyps Cause Dizziness?

Feeling off-balance might make you wonder if those nasal polyps are to blame, but generally, they aren’t a direct cause of dizziness. While the congestion and sinus pressure from polyps can sometimes create a vague sense of imbalance or fullness, true spinning vertigo or significant dizziness usually signals a different underlying issue, often involving your inner ear or nervous system.

Because dizziness often points to inner ear or neurological issues, it’s important to share all your symptoms with your ENT. They can rule out polyps as a cause—or uncover something else.

How to Tell If You Have Nasal Polyps?

Recognizing the signs of nasal polyps is the first step toward seeking appropriate care. While some individuals with small polyps may not experience any noticeable symptoms, larger polyps or clusters can cause a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Nasal congestion or blockage: This can feel like a persistent cold that doesn’t go away, making it difficult to breathe through your nose.
• Runny nose: You might experience a frequent runny nose, often with a clear discharge.
• Postnasal drip: This is the sensation of mucus dripping down the back of your throat.
• Reduced or loss of smell (anosmia): One of the hallmark symptoms, a diminished or complete inability to smell, can significantly affect your sense of taste as well.
• Facial pain or pressure: While less common, larger polyps can sometimes cause a feeling of pressure in your face or forehead.
• Snoring: Nasal obstruction due to polyps can contribute to or worsen snoring.
• Frequent nosebleeds: Although less typical, irritation from polyps can occasionally lead to nosebleeds.
• Mouth breathing: Due to nasal blockage, you might find yourself breathing more through your mouth.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions like allergies or sinus infections. Therefore, a proper diagnosis from an ENT is absolutely crucial.

How Are Nasal Polyps Removed?

When nasal polyps obstruct your breathing, the path to clearer airways depends on their characteristics. For smaller polyps, medications like nasal steroid sprays can often shrink them down. If polyps are larger or persistent, a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope is frequently the most effective solution. This allows for precise removal through the nostrils, aiming for a smoother recovery and improved airflow.

Breathe Easier, Live Better: Your Path to Nasal Polyp Relief

Are you tired of your sense of smell feeling dulled and having sinus pressure as a constant companion? These frustrating symptoms could be signs of nasal polyps, but lasting relief is within reach at ExcelENT of Alabama. We offer innovative and compassionate care with the most up-to-date and effective treatments available, from targeted medications to advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery when conservative measures aren’t enough. Schedule your personalized consultation today and experience the difference expert care can make.

Discover Complete Nose & Sinus Care at ExcelENT of Alabama

​​Serving Hoover, Homewood, and surrounding communities, ExcelENT is committed to helping you find lasting relief from a wide range of nasal issues beyond just polyps. Whether you’re struggling with persistent nasal obstruction that makes breathing difficult, the ongoing irritation of chronic rhinitis, or the discomfort of a deviated septum, our specialists offer personalized treatment plans to restore your nasal comfort and function. Discover comprehensive care designed to help you breathe freely and comfortably right here in your community. Reach out to us today to request an appointment.