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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffNasal polyps are associated with chronic inflammation of the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses (chronic sinusitis). If you have several polyps or large polyps, they may obstruct your nasal passages and sinuses. As a result of these conditions in your nose and sinuses, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
- A runny nose
- Persistent stuffiness
- Postnasal drip
- Decreased or no sense of smell
- Loss of sense of taste
- Facial pain or headache
- Snoring
- Itching around your eyes
You may have small nasal polyps and experience no signs or symptoms.
When to see a doctor
Signs and symptoms of nasal polyps are similar to many other conditions, including the common cold. If your condition continues for more than 10 days, see your doctor.
If you experience severe difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care or call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Fried M. Nasal polyps. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec19/ch221/ch221h.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2009.
- Staffel J, et al. Rhinology, nasal obstruction and sinusitis. In: Wax M, ed. Primary Care Otolaryngology. 2nd ed., e-format. Alexandria, Va.: American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery; 2004. http://www.entnet.org/EducationAndResearch/upload/Chapter-9-Rhinology-Nasal-Obstruction-and-Sinusitis.pdf. Accessed Jan. 7, 2009.
- Pawliczak R, et al. Pathogenesis of nasal polyps: An update. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. 2005;5:463-471.
- Fried M. Nasal polyps. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch091/ch091d.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2009.
- Sinusitis. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Sinusitis.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Pillsbury HC III, et al. Nose and sinuses. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec19/ch217/ch217c.html. Accessed Jan. 7, 2009.
- Fungal sinusitis. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Fungal-Sinusitis.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Haddad J Jr. Nasal polyps. In: Kliegman R, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier Inc.; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/116189915-2/0/1608/891.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Rosenfeld RM. Clinical practice guideline on adult sinusitis. Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 2007;137:365-377.
- Tips to remember: What is allergy testing? American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatisallergytesting.stm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Scadding GK. Comparison of medical and surgical treatment of nasal polyposis. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. 2002;2:494-499.
- Sinus surgery. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/SinusSurgery.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Tips for sinus sufferers. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/tipsSinusSufferers.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
