Constant Congestion? Why Nasal Polyps Block Air & Medically Approved Next Steps

If you feel like your nose is always blocked — even when you don't have a cold — nasal polyps could be the reason.

Many people live for years with chronic congestion, mouth breathing, or a reduced sense of smell without realizing there's an underlying cause. The good news? Nasal polyps are common, treatable, and manageable with the right care.

Let's break down what nasal polyps are, why they block your breathing, and what medically approved next steps look like.

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What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that form inside the lining of your nose or sinuses. They develop as a result of chronic inflammation.

They're often described as:

• Teardrop-shaped
• Pale or translucent
• Soft and movable
• Growing in clusters

Small nasal polyps may not cause symptoms. Larger ones — or clusters — can block airflow and sinus drainage.

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Why Do Nasal Polyps Cause Constant Congestion?

To understand this, it helps to know how your sinuses work.

Your sinuses are hollow air-filled spaces connected to your nasal passages. They produce mucus, which normally drains through small openings into the nose.

When nasal polyps grow, they can:

• Block airflow through the nasal passages
• Obstruct sinus drainage pathways
• Trap mucus inside the sinuses
• Create pressure and inflammation

This leads to:

• Constant stuffiness
• Postnasal drip
• Facial pressure
• Reduced or lost sense of smell
• Recurring sinus infections

Unlike a cold, which improves in 7–10 days, congestion from nasal polyps tends to persist for weeks or months.

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What Causes Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are strongly linked to long-term inflammation in the nasal lining. Common risk factors include:

• Chronic sinusitis (chronic rhinosinusitis)
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Aspirin sensitivity (AERD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Repeated sinus infections

Researchers believe immune system activity plays a major role. In many people, inflammation becomes ongoing instead of temporary — and that persistent swelling encourages polyp formation.

If you're experiencing similar symptoms and want to understand whether chronic inflammation might be affecting your sinuses, you can use a free AI-powered Sinusitis symptom checker to evaluate your risk in just a few minutes.

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Common Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

Symptoms vary depending on size and number, but common signs include:

• Ongoing nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Runny nose
• Postnasal drip
• Facial pressure or fullness
• Reduced or lost sense of smell (very common)
• Reduced sense of taste
• Snoring
• Frequent sinus infections

A key clue is loss of smell that doesn't improve. This is especially common with nasal polyps.

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How Are Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves:

1. Medical History

Your doctor will ask about:

• Duration of congestion
• Smell changes
• Asthma or allergies
• Previous sinus infections

2. Nasal Examination

An ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) may use:

• A nasal endoscope (a thin, flexible camera)
• A small lighted instrument to look inside the nose

3. Imaging

A CT scan may be ordered if:

• Surgery is being considered
• Symptoms are severe
• The diagnosis is unclear

Imaging helps show how large the nasal polyps are and how much blockage exists.

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Medically Approved Treatment Options

Treatment depends on severity. The goal is to reduce inflammation, shrink nasal polyps, and restore airflow.

1. Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays (First-Line Treatment)

These are usually the first step.

They:

• Reduce inflammation
• Shrink polyps over time
• Improve airflow
• May restore sense of smell

Examples include prescription nasal steroid sprays. These are generally safe when used correctly.

Consistency is key — they often need to be used daily for weeks to months.

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2. Oral Corticosteroids (Short-Term Use)

If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe a short course of oral steroids.

They:

• Rapidly reduce inflammation
• Shrink larger polyps
• Improve smell temporarily

However, long-term use is avoided due to side effects such as:

• Blood sugar elevation
• Bone thinning
• Immune suppression

This is usually a short-term solution.

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3. Biologic Medications (For Severe Cases)

For people with:

• Severe nasal polyps
• Asthma
• Frequent recurrence
• Poor response to steroids

Biologic injections (such as monoclonal antibodies) may be recommended.

These target specific inflammatory pathways and can:

• Reduce polyp size
• Improve breathing
• Decrease need for surgery

They are typically prescribed by specialists.

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4. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

If medications fail, surgery may be recommended.

This minimally invasive procedure:

• Removes nasal polyps
• Opens blocked sinus passages
• Improves airflow and drainage

Surgery is effective, but nasal polyps can return if underlying inflammation isn't managed afterward.

Post-surgery treatment often includes continued steroid sprays to prevent recurrence.

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Can Nasal Polyps Go Away on Their Own?

Small nasal polyps may shrink with proper treatment. However, they rarely disappear completely without medical therapy.

Ignoring persistent symptoms can lead to:

• Repeated sinus infections
• Ongoing loss of smell
• Worsening asthma control
• Chronic mouth breathing and sleep disruption

While nasal polyps are not cancerous, they do require proper management.

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Lifestyle Steps That May Help

Medical treatment is primary, but these strategies may support sinus health:

• Use saline nasal rinses to flush irritants
• Manage allergies aggressively
• Avoid known triggers (smoke, pollution)
• Keep asthma well controlled
• Use a humidifier if air is dry

These won't cure nasal polyps, but they can reduce inflammation triggers.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if you have:

• Congestion lasting longer than 10–14 days
• Loss of smell
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Facial swelling
• Severe headache
• Vision changes
• High fever

While nasal polyps are usually not dangerous, complications from blocked sinuses can become serious if left untreated.

If you experience:

• Sudden vision problems
• Swelling around the eyes
• Severe headache with fever
• Stiff neck

Seek urgent medical care.

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The Bottom Line

Nasal polyps are a common cause of constant congestion that doesn't go away. They develop due to chronic inflammation and can block airflow and sinus drainage.

The good news:

• They are treatable.
• Many people improve with nasal steroid sprays.
• Surgery is available if needed.
• New biologic treatments offer additional options for severe cases.

If you're dealing with ongoing congestion, reduced smell, or repeated sinus infections, don't ignore it. Take a moment to complete a free AI-powered Sinusitis symptom assessment to better understand your symptoms — and then speak to a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

Chronic congestion isn't something you have to "just live with." With the right medical guidance, breathing clearly again is often very possible.