Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that can form in the nasal cavity. Although benign, they can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

Nasal polyps often occur along with underlying health conditions — most commonly chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and chronic nasal obstruction.

Nasal polyps and the underlying condition can affect quality of life if people do not receive treatment for them.

Keep reading for more information on what happens if nasal polyps go untreated, signs that they may not be well managed, and more.

Experts generally agree that nasal polyps and any related health conditions can decrease a person’s quality of life by causing symptoms such as nasal congestion and facial pressure.

Up to 13 million people in the United States may have nasal polyps. Most of these people are between 40 and 60 years old. Nasal polyps are more common in males, but females who develop them typically have worse symptoms.

CRS is the most common condition to have an association with nasal polyps. When inflammation occurs in CRS, nasal polyps may develop. As a result, healthcare professionals often use the term “chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis” (CRSwNP) when discussing nasal polyps.

Proper treatment helps address both the nasal polyps and any other condition that may be present. If a person does not receive treatment, the symptoms can negatively affect their quality of life.

Without proper management, nasal polyps can cause a loss of the sense of smell and the development of mucoceles (fluid-filled sacs). These sacs may put pressure on a person’s eyes, leading to exophthalmos (bulging eyes) and diplopia (double vision).

When treatment for CRSwNP is effective, a person’s symptoms should improve.

If treatment does not work well, a person may notice new or worsening symptoms of nasal polyps. The following are some symptoms that may worsen or develop if a person does not receive effective treatment for nasal polyps.

Blocked nasal passages

One common symptom of nasal polyps is a feeling of blockage in the nasal passages. This may occur along with increased stuffiness.

Nasal polyps can also cause a runny nose.

Decreased sense of smell

Nasal polyps can affect a person’s ability to smell. This happens when polyps are large enough to become obstructive, or block the nasal passageways. People often describe this as one of the more bothersome symptoms of nasal polyps.

Facial pressure or pain

Nasal polyps can cause pain and pressure in the face or sinuses. In some cases, a person may feel pain and pressure in their upper teeth. Nasal polyps may also lead to headaches.

Fatigue and loss of sleep

Nasal polyps and uncomfortable symptoms can affect a person’s ability to sleep at night. This can cause fatigue (tiredness) during the day. In some cases, it can lead to chronic fatigue.

Postnasal drip

Nasal polyps can lead to worsening postnasal drip. A person who has nasal polyps might also develop a sore throat and cough as a result of the drainage.

One of the main reasons to get medical treatment for nasal polyps is to prevent or reduce negative effects on quality of life.

Nasal polyps commonly occur along with other conditions, such as CRS. This means healthcare professionals may need to identify and treat the underlying condition to get the best possible results.

A person with nasal polyps may experience a decreased quality of life if they are living with related underlying conditions, known as comorbidities. Common comorbidities of nasal polyps include:

  • Asthma: According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, 26% to 56% of people with CRSwNP also have asthma, and about 10% have aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease due to a sensitivity to aspirin and similar medications.
  • Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis: This occurs in 5% to 10% of people who need sinus surgery. It develops as a reaction to inhaling fungi.
  • Cystic fibrosis: Up to 86% of people with cystic fibrosis develop nasal polyps. The presence of nasal polyps in children can suggest possible cystic fibrosis, as nasal polyps more commonly occur in adults.

Comorbidities of nasal polyps can also affect a person’s outlook. People with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis have a higher rate of nasal polyp recurrence than other groups. People with an aspirin sensitivity also have a greater chance of recurrence than those with CRSwNP.

Treating both nasal polyps and any underlying health condition can help improve a person’s quality of life and outcomes.

If a person is experiencing troublesome symptoms, they should schedule an appointment with a doctor. If a primary care doctor suspects nasal polyps, they may refer the person to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

When meeting with an ENT, a person should be prepared to discuss any symptoms of nasal polyps that they are experiencing, how severe the symptoms are, how often they occur, and when they started.

An ENT can often make a diagnosis of nasal polyps after:

  • evaluating a person’s symptoms
  • reviewing the person’s medical history
  • performing a nasal endoscopy (using a lighted instrument to examine the inside of the nasal cavity)

The ENT might also order imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis. From there, they can recommend proper treatment.

A person should let their ENT know if their symptoms worsen. The specialist may adjust the treatment to better address nasal polyps or any related condition.

Nasal polyps are a common type of growth in the nasal cavity. They typically occur along with chronic rhinosinusitis.

If treatment does not manage nasal polyps well, a person may notice new or worsening symptoms. One of the more bothersome symptoms is loss of the sense of smell, but nasal blockage, loss of sleep, and other symptoms can also occur.

A person should let the treating healthcare professional know if they develop new or worsening symptoms that may indicate that the current treatment is not effectively managing their nasal polyps.