The Connection Between Nasal Polyps and Sinus Infections

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConnectionSymptoms and CausesTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Connection

Symptoms and Causes

Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Nasal polypsand sinus infections are two conditions connected in several ways, including their symptoms and how each may lead to the other.

Both sinus infections and nasal polyps can block the nasal passages, causing facial pain and a reduced sense of smell. These symptoms are often nonspecific, meaning they are seen in many conditions, so it can be confusing to determine the exact cause of the problem. If you are having frequent sinus infections, it may be a sign of nasal polyps.

This article will discuss the connection between nasal polyps and sinus infections, as well as polyps' symptoms, causes, and treatment.

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The Link Between Nasal Polyps and Sinus Infections

Sinus infections (rhinosinusitis) are classified as chronic when they last for more than 12 weeks. Nasal polyps are commonly seen in people who have chronic inflammation of the sinuses.How they develop is not well understood, but chronic inflammation is at the root of most theories.

Nasal polyps are inflammatory growths that are likely develop due to a complex interplay of factors that include those involving the immune system and genetics. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can trigger immune and inflammatory reactions that damage the lining of the nasal surfaces.

In some people, the chronic inflammation they experience leads to growth of cells and blood vessels that form a polyp.

Small polyps may not cause any symptoms, but large polyps that block the nasal passages can severely impact breathing, sleeping, and overall quality of life.

Even more, polyps may become a breeding ground for infection, worsening existing infections and causing new ones due to constant irritation and the breakdown of nasal epithelial tissue, which is tissue that lines body surfaces, including the nasal cavity.

Symptoms and Causes of Chronic Sinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Chronic infection of the sinuses can lead to inflammation that stimulates the formation of nasal polyps. Viruses and bacteria may cause these infections, but a person may have immune system factors that result in their symptoms lingering and going from acute to chronic.

Also, polyps themselves can cause infections. If your nose is constantly blocked, irritation can cause the epithelial tissue in the nose to break down, leading to inflammation and a buildup of fluid. This fluid allows bacteria to grow. Chronic inflammation of the sinuses makes the area more prone to viral and bacterial infections, adding to the cycle of polyp growth and generation.

During the early stages of polyp formation, you may not experience any symptoms, but as polyps get larger and larger and the obstruction worsens, you may develop symptoms, including:

If your polyps block most of your nasal passage, you may experience symptoms such as:

Lingering symptoms for two or more weeks can indicate a bacterial infection. Of note, antibiotic overuse—which can occur when people mistakenly take these drugs for viruses—can increase your risk of future bacterial infections.

Chronic sinusitis may be difficult to differentiate from upper respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma because it has similar symptoms, including a runny nose and a reduced sense of smell. Still, symptoms are usually more severe in sinusitis due to long-term swelling of the mucous membranes.

If you have difficulty breathing or sleeping, experience vision changes, or have developed a worsening of your symptoms, such as more frequent asthma attacks or more severe headaches, contact a healthcare provider.

If left untreated, nasal polyps can potentially causesleep apnea. In sleep apnea, your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. In rare cases, nasal polyps can lead to meningitis, which is inflammation of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord.

Managing and Treating Nasal Polyps and Sinus Infection

If you have ever experienced nasal polyps you know that the best treatment is prevention. Living with nasal polyps can be miserable, especially if you are experiencing chronic and severe symptoms like trouble breathing, insomnia, and headache.

If these prevention and home treatments are unsuccessful, you may need to consult a healthcare provider. A provider can perform a detailed evaluation of your symptoms and suggest treatments that are right for you.

Medical and surgical treatments include:

Summary

Chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) can lead to nasal polyps, which are noncancerous growths in the nasal passages or sinuses. In turn, nasal polyps can lead to further sinus infections. They can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, facial pain, and decreased smell or taste.

Nasal polyps are treated with nasal steroids and sometimes surgery. Lifestyle measures to avoid germs and keep airways moisturized may help prevent sinus inflammation.

A Word From Verywell

Nasal polyps may not be life-threatening, but they can affect your quality of life. In the early stages, your polyps may cause mild symptoms, which can be easy to ignore and may even remit on their own. But over time, if your symptoms worsen, check with a healthcare provider.

Nasal polyps are highly treatable with a range of home and drug therapies. Once they go away, avoid infectious triggers and irritants to prevent nasal polyp regrowth.

Learn MoreSinus Infection Causes

Sinusitis and nasal polyps are not the same. Nasal polyps are growths that occur as a result of chronic irritation to the nasal sinuses. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the air spaces around your nose and eyes. It is one of the most common causes of nasal polyps.Learn MoreChronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps

Sinusitis and nasal polyps are not the same. Nasal polyps are growths that occur as a result of chronic irritation to the nasal sinuses. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the air spaces around your nose and eyes. It is one of the most common causes of nasal polyps.

Learn MoreChronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps

If left untreated nasal polyps can grow in size and eventually block the nasal airway, making it difficult to breathe. Nasal polyps may also cause sleep apnea (an independent risk factor for heart disease) and, in rare cases, meningitis (inflammation of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord).

Flonase—a topical nasal steroid spray—has been shown to reduce nasal polyps, and prevent regrowth after surgery.

10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stevens WW, Schleimer RP, Kern RC.Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2016;4(4):565-572. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2016.04.012Hulse KE, Stevens WW, Tan BK, Schleimer RP.Pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.Clin Exp Allergy. 2015;45(2):328-346. doi:10.1111/cea.12472Johns Hopkins Medicine.Nasal polyps.Arslan F, Tasdemir S, Durmaz A, Tosun F.The effect of nasal polyposis related nasal obstruction on cognitive functions.Cogn Neurodyn. 2018;12(4):385-390. doi:10.1007/s11571-018-9482-4American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Sinus infection.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Nasal polyps.Wald ER, Applegate KE, Bordley C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of acute bacterial sinusitis in children aged 1 to 18 years.Pediatrics. 2013;132(1):e262-80. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-1071Sehanobish E, Asad M, Barbi M, Porcelli SA, Jerschow E.Aspirin actions in treatment of NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease.Front Immunol. 2021;12:695815. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.695815Kern RC, Stolovitzky JP, Silvers SL, et al.A phase 3 trial of mometasone furoate sinus implants for chronic sinusitis with recurrent nasal polyps.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol.2018;8(4):471-481. doi:10.1002/alr.22084Castro A, Furtado M, Rego Â, Serras D, Plácido M, Martins C.Long term outcomes of balloon sinuplasty for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps.Am J Otolaryngol. 2021;42(1):102825. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102825

10 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stevens WW, Schleimer RP, Kern RC.Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2016;4(4):565-572. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2016.04.012Hulse KE, Stevens WW, Tan BK, Schleimer RP.Pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.Clin Exp Allergy. 2015;45(2):328-346. doi:10.1111/cea.12472Johns Hopkins Medicine.Nasal polyps.Arslan F, Tasdemir S, Durmaz A, Tosun F.The effect of nasal polyposis related nasal obstruction on cognitive functions.Cogn Neurodyn. 2018;12(4):385-390. doi:10.1007/s11571-018-9482-4American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Sinus infection.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Nasal polyps.Wald ER, Applegate KE, Bordley C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of acute bacterial sinusitis in children aged 1 to 18 years.Pediatrics. 2013;132(1):e262-80. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-1071Sehanobish E, Asad M, Barbi M, Porcelli SA, Jerschow E.Aspirin actions in treatment of NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease.Front Immunol. 2021;12:695815. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.695815Kern RC, Stolovitzky JP, Silvers SL, et al.A phase 3 trial of mometasone furoate sinus implants for chronic sinusitis with recurrent nasal polyps.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol.2018;8(4):471-481. doi:10.1002/alr.22084Castro A, Furtado M, Rego Â, Serras D, Plácido M, Martins C.Long term outcomes of balloon sinuplasty for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps.Am J Otolaryngol. 2021;42(1):102825. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102825

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Stevens WW, Schleimer RP, Kern RC.Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2016;4(4):565-572. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2016.04.012Hulse KE, Stevens WW, Tan BK, Schleimer RP.Pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.Clin Exp Allergy. 2015;45(2):328-346. doi:10.1111/cea.12472Johns Hopkins Medicine.Nasal polyps.Arslan F, Tasdemir S, Durmaz A, Tosun F.The effect of nasal polyposis related nasal obstruction on cognitive functions.Cogn Neurodyn. 2018;12(4):385-390. doi:10.1007/s11571-018-9482-4American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Sinus infection.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Nasal polyps.Wald ER, Applegate KE, Bordley C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of acute bacterial sinusitis in children aged 1 to 18 years.Pediatrics. 2013;132(1):e262-80. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-1071Sehanobish E, Asad M, Barbi M, Porcelli SA, Jerschow E.Aspirin actions in treatment of NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease.Front Immunol. 2021;12:695815. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.695815Kern RC, Stolovitzky JP, Silvers SL, et al.A phase 3 trial of mometasone furoate sinus implants for chronic sinusitis with recurrent nasal polyps.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol.2018;8(4):471-481. doi:10.1002/alr.22084Castro A, Furtado M, Rego Â, Serras D, Plácido M, Martins C.Long term outcomes of balloon sinuplasty for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps.Am J Otolaryngol. 2021;42(1):102825. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102825

Stevens WW, Schleimer RP, Kern RC.Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2016;4(4):565-572. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2016.04.012

Hulse KE, Stevens WW, Tan BK, Schleimer RP.Pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.Clin Exp Allergy. 2015;45(2):328-346. doi:10.1111/cea.12472

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Nasal polyps.

Arslan F, Tasdemir S, Durmaz A, Tosun F.The effect of nasal polyposis related nasal obstruction on cognitive functions.Cogn Neurodyn. 2018;12(4):385-390. doi:10.1007/s11571-018-9482-4

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Sinus infection.

American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Nasal polyps.

Wald ER, Applegate KE, Bordley C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of acute bacterial sinusitis in children aged 1 to 18 years.Pediatrics. 2013;132(1):e262-80. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-1071

Sehanobish E, Asad M, Barbi M, Porcelli SA, Jerschow E.Aspirin actions in treatment of NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease.Front Immunol. 2021;12:695815. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.695815

Kern RC, Stolovitzky JP, Silvers SL, et al.A phase 3 trial of mometasone furoate sinus implants for chronic sinusitis with recurrent nasal polyps.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol.2018;8(4):471-481. doi:10.1002/alr.22084

Castro A, Furtado M, Rego Â, Serras D, Plácido M, Martins C.Long term outcomes of balloon sinuplasty for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps.Am J Otolaryngol. 2021;42(1):102825. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102825

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