Living with Nasal Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

For many people, lingering sinus symptoms like a stuffy nose that never clears, a dull pressure behind the eyes, or a sense that breathing just takes more effort than it used to can be traced to nasal polyps. 

Nasal polyps affect up to 4% of adults and often lead to chronic congestion, loss of smell, and sleep disruption that can affect your quality of life. 

Understanding what causes these benign growths in the nose, how they’re diagnosed, and the treatment options available with the best ENT in Torrance can help you breathe easier and regain comfort. Read on to get answers to the most common questions about nasal polyps, including what causes them, what symptoms you should watch for, and how they are treated. 

What Causes Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps form when the tissue inside the nose and sinuses stays swollen for a long time. This ongoing inflammation, known as chronic sinusitis, irritates the lining and causes it to react by growing small, soft bumps that can eventually block airflow. People with allergies, asthma, or recurrent sinus infections are more likely to develop nasal polyps. Conditions like cystic fibrosis or certain genetic traits can also make the nasal passages more prone to inflammation.

How to Tell if You Have Nasal Polyps

The symptoms of nasal polyps can resemble a persistent cold. Many people notice: 

• Constant stuffiness or a feeling of pressure deep in the face, as if the sinuses are always full. 
• Polyps that grow large or appear in clusters can completely block airflow or cause a runny nose or postnasal drip that lingers for weeks.
• Smell fades or disappears altogether, and food can lose its taste. 
• Some people describe waking up tired, snoring more than usual, or feeling as though they’re breathing through a pillow. 

Because these signs often mimic allergies or chronic sinus infections, it’s easy to mistake them for something minor. Small polyps can grow quietly for months or years, allowing symptoms to worsen over time.

How are Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?

Diagnosing nasal polyps often begins with a careful look inside the nose. During an exam, the best ENT in Torrance may use a small, flexible camera called a nasal endoscope to see the passages and spot any soft, pale growths that might be hiding deep inside. If symptoms are severe or a clearer view is needed, imaging like a CT scan or MRI can provide a more detailed view of the polyps, including their exact size and location, as well as whether they’re blocking nearby sinuses. 

What are the Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps?

Treatment for nasal polyps typically begins with the least invasive option, advancing to more invasive treatment options if necessary: 

• Nasal corticosteroid sprays are often prescribed first, working over time to shrink the polyps and open up blocked airways. 
• Short courses of oral steroids or modern biologic injections may be used to target the polyps in more severe cases. 
• Surgery can remove polyps when medicine alone isn’t enough. During this procedure, called a polypectomy, the ear, nose, and throat doctor removes the growths and opens the sinus passages so air and mucus can move freely again.

Even with successful treatment, polyps sometimes come back, which is why long-term care matters. Regular nasal rinses, monitored use of steroid sprays, and controlling allergies or asthma can help keep symptoms in check and reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.

Tips for Living with Nasal Polyps 

There are several ways you can make yourself more comfortable while you’re undergoing polyp treatment or waiting for your polypectomy surgery: 

• Many people find relief through nasal saline rinses, which gently wash out mucus and allergens while easing that heavy, clogged feeling. 
• Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, especially during dry seasons, making it easier to breathe through the nose. 
• Avoiding cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and dusty environments can also make a big difference, as these irritants can trigger inflammation. 
• Managing related conditions like asthma or allergies is just as important because flare-ups in one area often affect the other. 
• Those who are sensitive to aspirin or NSAIDs should be cautious, as these can worsen swelling and congestion. 
• Consistent follow-ups after surgery or treatment give the best chance of keeping polyps small and reducing symptoms.

Finding the Best ENT in Torrance for Minimally-Invasive Treatment of Nasal Polyps 

Dr. Payam Daneshrad is a dual board-certified ENT and facial plastic surgeon known for his thoughtful evaluations, advanced diagnostic tools, and an approach that blends medical expertise with genuine personal connection. At our convenient clinic locations in Torrance and Santa Monica, we make it easy to fit health into real life, with flexible appointment times, no long waits, and a fully equipped in-house facility that keeps even complex ENT care efficient and comfortable. 

Whether you're dealing with chronic sinus issues, need help with allergies, or are exploring rhinology, we draw on years of experience and a reputation trusted by professional athletes to provide solutions that restore function and confidence, without the red tape of larger hospital systems.