Ear, nose and throat
Medicines for Nasal polyps
Soft, painless growths in the lining of the nose and sinuses that can block the nose and reduce smell — treated with steroid nasal sprays and sometimes surgery.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous swellings that grow from the inflamed lining of the nose and sinuses. They are painless but, as they enlarge, can block the nose, cause a persistently stuffy or runny nose, reduce or remove the sense of smell and taste, and contribute to sinus infections and snoring.
- How it is treated: Treatment aims to shrink the polyps and control the underlying inflammation.
- Self-care: Using steroid nasal sprays regularly and correctly, doing saltwater rinses, avoiding known triggers, not smoking, and managing allergy and asthma all help control polyps and symptoms.
- When to seek help: See a GP for a persistently blocked nose or loss of smell.
What it is
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous swellings that grow from the inflamed lining of the nose and sinuses. They are painless but, as they enlarge, can block the nose, cause a persistently stuffy or runny nose, reduce or remove the sense of smell and taste, and contribute to sinus infections and snoring. They are linked to ongoing inflammation and are more common in people with asthma, allergies or certain conditions. Small polyps may cause no symptoms; larger ones are more troublesome. They are diagnosed by examining the nose, sometimes with a scan.
How it is treated
Treatment aims to shrink the polyps and control the underlying inflammation. Steroid nasal sprays or drops, used regularly, are the main treatment and can shrink polyps and relieve symptoms, sometimes with a short course of steroid tablets for larger polyps. Saltwater rinses help, and any associated allergy or asthma is managed. When polyps are large, keep coming back, or do not respond, surgery to remove them can improve symptoms, though they can regrow, so ongoing spray treatment is often continued. Newer targeted treatments exist for some severe cases.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Nasal polyps
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Using steroid nasal sprays regularly and correctly, doing saltwater rinses, avoiding known triggers, not smoking, and managing allergy and asthma all help control polyps and symptoms.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP for a persistently blocked nose or loss of smell. Seek urgent care for vision problems, double vision, severe swelling around an eye, or a severe headache with a stiff neck.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Nasal polyps: frequently asked questions
Are nasal polyps cancerous?
No. Nasal polyps are non-cancerous (benign) growths from inflamed nasal lining. A doctor will confirm the diagnosis, as a one-sided growth is occasionally examined more closely.
Do nasal polyps come back after surgery?
They can regrow, which is why steroid nasal sprays are usually continued after surgery to control the underlying inflammation and reduce recurrence.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS — Nasal polyps
- ENT UK — Nasal polyps
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