Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps?
An otolaryngologist, often called an ENT doctor, treats conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. ENT doctors diagnose nasal polyps, prescribe medicines, perform sinus surgery, and provide long-term follow-up care. Many people also see an allergist when allergies or asthma play a role.
What it is
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a long-term swelling inside the nose and sinuses. Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that hang down from the lining of the nose. They form when the lining stays swollen for months, and the swelling and growths often come back even after treatment.
Symptoms
The most common sign is a stuffy or blocked nose that does not go away. Many people cannot smell or taste food the way they used to. Other symptoms include a runny nose, mucus dripping down the throat, and facial pressure or pain. Symptoms usually last twelve weeks or longer, which is what makes the condition chronic.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not fully understand why nasal polyps form, but the swelling seems to come from ongoing inflammation. People with asthma, allergies, aspirin sensitivity, or repeated sinus infections get polyps more often. Some families have several members with the condition, suggesting genes may play a role. Adults are affected more often than children.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor will ask about symptoms and look inside the nose with a small lighted scope to see the polyps directly. A CT scan is often used to see how much of the sinus space is blocked. Allergy testing may be done to look for triggers.
Treatment
Treatment usually starts with nasal steroid sprays to reduce swelling, along with saline rinses that clear mucus from the nose. If sprays are not enough, a doctor might offer steroid pills for a short time, or newer injectable medicines that calm the immune system. Surgery can remove large polyps and open blocked sinus passages when medicines do not help enough. Even after surgery, most people need ongoing medicine because polyps can grow back.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a stuffy nose, loss of smell, or facial pressure lasts more than a few weeks. Get care sooner if you have a high fever, severe face pain, swelling around the eyes, or trouble seeing. Anyone who has trouble breathing should seek medical help right away.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type can treat simple sinus infections, manage asthma and allergies, and prescribe nasal sprays. If symptoms last for months or polyps are suspected, they will refer the patient to an ENT specialist, then continue day-to-day care afterward.
Common questions
Are nasal polyps cancer?
No. Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths caused by long-term swelling. A doctor can confirm what they are during an exam or with imaging.
Will the polyps come back after surgery?
They often can. Surgery removes the growths, but it does not fix the swelling that caused them. Many people need medicines after surgery to keep polyps from returning.
Can nasal polyps go away on their own?
Small polyps sometimes shrink once the swelling is treated, but they rarely disappear without medicine. Most people need ongoing treatment to keep symptoms under control.
Sources
- American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery - New Clinical Practice Guideline for the Surgical Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Adults Recommendations Based on Rigorous Gold Standard Scientific Evidence
- MedlinePlus - Nasal polyps
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
