Author: Dr. Balaji Ramamourthy, Consultant ENT & Head and Neck Surgery

Many patients come to us with a common complaint:

“Doctor, my nose is always blocked, I thought it was just allergy. I cannot do my work.”

While nasal blockage is often due to allergy or infection, long-standing nasal obstruction, reduced sense of smell, or recurrent sinus symptoms may indicate a condition called nasal polyposis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve breathing, sinus health and quality of life.

What Is Nasal Polyposis?

Nasal polyposis refers to the presence of soft, painless, non-cancerous growths (polyps) arising from the lining of the nose or sinuses.

  • They develop due to chronic inflammation
  • They are usually bilateral
  • Though benign, they can cause significant nasal and sinus symptoms

Over time, nasal polyps can grow large enough to block airflow and sinus drainage.

Why Do Nasal Polyps Develop?

Nasal polyps commonly occur in patients with:

  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Long-standing allergic rhinitis
  • Asthma
  • Aspirin sensitivity
  • Recurrent upper respiratory infections

Persistent inflammation leads to swelling of the nasal lining, resulting in polyp formation.

Common Symptoms of Nasal Polyposis

Symptoms usually develop gradually and may be ignored initially. Common features include:

  • Persistent nasal blockage
  • Continuous or recurrent nasal discharge
  • Reduced or loss of sense of smell
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Facial pressure or headache
  • Mouth breathing and snoring

If nasal blockage persists for weeks despite treatment, ENT evaluation is essential.

Why Early Intervention Is Important

Nasal polyps do not disappear on their own and may progressively enlarge. If left untreated, they can lead to:

  • Chronic sinus infections
  • Complete loss of smell
  • Recurrent headaches and facial pain
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Reduced response to medications over time
  • And overall poor quality of life.

Early treatment improves symptom control and may prevent the need for surgery.

How Is Nasal Polyposis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually includes:

  • Detailed ENT examination
  • Nasal endoscopy to directly visualize polyps
  • CT scan of the paranasal sinuses when required
  • Allergy evaluation in selected patients

Accurate diagnosis helps guide effective treatment planning.

Treatment Options for Nasal Polyposis

Treatment depends on the size of polyps and symptom severity.

Medical Management

  • Intranasal steroid sprays
  • Short courses of oral medications when required
  • Allergy control and nasal saline irrigation

Surgical Management

When medical treatment fails or polyps are extensive, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) is recommended to:

  • Remove polyps
  • Restore nasal airflow
  • Improve sinus drainage
  • Enhance effectiveness of postoperative medications

Early-stage disease responds better to treatment and reduces recurrence risk.

When Should You See an ENT Specialist in Puducherry?

Consult an ENT doctor if you experience:

  • Persistent nasal blockage
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Recurrent sinus infections
  • Symptoms not improving with medications

Early ENT consultation can prevent chronic sinus disease and improve long-term outcomes.

Take-Home Message

Breathing freely through your nose is essential for daily comfort and overall health.
Ignoring persistent nasal blockage may delay diagnosis and prolong suffering—but early care can restore normal breathing and sinus health.

Consult our specialists at Aram Advanced Health Care, Puducherry, for expert evaluation and advanced ENT care.

Better breathing begins with timely treatment.

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