Are Seasonal Allergies Causing Your Nasal Polyp Symptoms? Probably, Here’s Why

You may have experienced seasonal allergies or hay fever before. Cases of runny nose, watery eyes, and cough are familiar symptoms when pollen is at its peak. But these symptoms can also go hand in hand with nasal polyps. 

Nasal polyps are soft tissue growths in the passages of the nose. Many people who have chronic allergies can end up developing nasal polyps. They are not cancerous or precancerous. And they won’t spread to other parts of the body. But they can cause complications over time. You can work with your healthcare provider to find the right treatments for nasal polyps.

What causes nasal polyps?

It’s not clear what causes nasal polyps to form. Studies have shown that biopsies of nasal polyps have a lot of inflammatory cells. But these cells are common in people with allergies — even those who don’t have nasal polyps.

Chronic sinus infections may also play a role. In fact, 1 in 5 people with chronic sinusitis has nasal polyps. Both bacterial and fungal sinus infections have been linked to nasal polyps. 

There is also a very close association with asthma and a sensitivity to aspirin. The reasons why aren’t fully understood yet.

Who is most at risk for nasal polyps?

While the exact cause of nasal polyps is unknown, there are certain people who are more likely to get them. You’re at greater risk of getting nasal polyps if you have any of the these conditions:

• Seasonal allergies or hay fever

• Asthma

• Recurrent sinus infections, especially fungal infections

• Aspirin sensitivity

• Cystic fibrosis

What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps may not have any symptoms at all, especially when they’re very small. But as polyps get bigger, their symptoms can bother you more. The most common symptoms include:

• Runny nose 

• Nasal obstruction 

• Facial pressure or pain 

• Nosebleeds 

• Loss of smell 

• Voice changes 

• Headache

• Snoring

• Mouth breathing

• Postnasal drip

What do nasal polyps feel like?

Many people with nasal polyps don’t realize they have them. The main symptom that may cause you to get medical attention is nasal obstruction. It can feel like you can’t breathe through your nose. You may even have obstructive sleep apnea. 

The nasal polyp itself feels soft and isn’t usually tender early on. As they grow, nasal polyps can block the sinuses from draining. This can cause a feeling of pressure or fullness — which may lead to headaches.

How do you treat nasal polyps?

Work with your provider to first treat any underlying triggers for inflammation. The polyps can then be treated with medications or removed by surgery. 

Medication for nasal polyps

Medications used to treat nasal polyps and decrease inflammation include:

• Corticosteroids: These are either sprayed directly into the nose (like fluticasone) or taken by mouth as a pill (like prednisone). When taken orally, they can have serious side effects over time. Your provider will likely only prescribe them for short periods of time.

• Leukotriene inhibitors: This oral medication (like montelukast) can decrease inflammation and reduce symptoms. This is when it’s used for the long term.

• Monoclonal antibodies: This type of injected medication (like Dupixent) may help to shrink severe polyps.

Surgery for nasal polyps

Surgery is sometimes necessary for when medications don’t work. An outpatient procedure to remove nasal polyps is done in a specialist’s office. It’s done through your nose using a camera to guide your provider. Recovery is usually quick. 

But keep in mind that nasal polyps might come back after successful treatment. This includes even after they’ve been removed with surgery. Avoiding known allergens and treating symptoms quickly may help to keep them from returning.

How serious are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are usually benign (not cancerous) and can easily go unnoticed because of their small size. But they can still cause complications like: 

• Chronic headaches

• Recurrent infections

• Face or eye swelling

In rare cases, symptoms of nasal polyps can be a sign of a more serious condition in the nasal passages — like cancer. But this is more likely if your nasal polyp symptoms are only on one side and it isn’t common at all. If you’re having symptoms that are ongoing or worsening, talk to your provider. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Frank Schwalbe, MD

Frank Schwalbe, MD, is an assistant professor of anesthesiology at the Yale School of Medicine. He has practiced anesthesiology for 30 years.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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