Quick answer. Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths in the lining of the nose and sinuses, usually linked to long-standing inflammation such as chronic sinusitis, asthma or allergy. They are treatable with steroid sprays and, when needed, keyhole sinus surgery, but a one-sided polyp or any nosebleed should always be reviewed by an ENT to exclude something more serious.
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Nasal polyps are one of the more common reasons people in Singapore find their nose persistently blocked, their sense of smell fading and their sinusitis refusing to clear. They are not cancer, and on their own they are not dangerous, but they can be stubborn and uncomfortable, and they tend to come back if the underlying inflammation is not controlled. Because our climate, high allergen load and frequent upper-airway infections keep the nasal lining irritated, polyps often sit alongside chronic rhinosinusitis, allergy or asthma.
This guide explains what nasal polyps are, why they form, how an ENT confirms the diagnosis and the treatments available locally – from steroid sprays to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. It also covers the warning signs that mean you should be reviewed promptly rather than simply waiting for symptoms to settle.
At a glance
| Situation | Typical approach | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Small polyps, mild blockage | Steroid nasal spray, allergy control | Gradual shrinkage over weeks; ongoing spray to prevent recurrence |
| Larger polyps or poor spray response | Short course of oral steroids, ENT review | Faster shrinkage; not for long-term use due to side effects |
| Polyps with chronic sinusitis | Saline rinses plus topical steroids, treat allergy/asthma | Better airflow and smell; close follow-up |
| Recurrent or obstructing polyps | Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) | Day surgery; improves breathing and drainage, sprays continue after |
| One-sided polyp or any bleeding | Urgent ENT assessment and scan | To exclude a tumour before any treatment |
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, smooth, teardrop-shaped swellings that grow from the inflamed lining of the nose and sinuses. They are usually pale or greyish, painless to the touch and not cancerous. They form when the lining stays inflamed for a long time, so fluid collects and the tissue gradually balloons outward into the nasal passage.
They most often affect adults and are more common in people who have chronic sinusitis, asthma, aspirin sensitivity or long-standing allergic rhinitis. Polyps frequently grow on both sides of the nose. A polyp on only one side is less typical and is the main reason an ENT will want a closer look, since other growths can occasionally mimic a simple polyp.
Symptoms & signs
Small polyps may cause nothing at all and are sometimes found by chance. As they enlarge, they block airflow and disturb the sinuses. Common features include:
- A persistently blocked or stuffy nose that does not fully clear
- A reduced or absent sense of smell, and often a dulled sense of taste
- Runny nose or thick post-nasal drip down the back of the throat
- Facial pressure or a feeling of fullness around the nose and cheeks
- Mouth-breathing, snoring and disturbed sleep
- Recurrent or hard-to-clear sinus infections
Symptoms tend to be gradual and on both sides. New symptoms on one side only, especially with bleeding, deserve prompt review.
Causes & risk factors
Polyps are the end result of chronic inflammation of the nasal and sinus lining, rather than a single cause. The exact trigger is not always clear, but several factors raise the risk:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis – long-standing sinus inflammation is the strongest association
- Asthma – airway inflammation often goes hand in hand with polyps
- Allergic rhinitis – common in Singapore given high dust-mite and indoor allergen levels
- Aspirin or NSAID sensitivity – a recognised pattern alongside asthma and polyps
- Repeated upper respiratory infections that keep the lining inflamed
Polyps are not caused by anything you have done wrong, and they are not contagious.
How nasal polyps are diagnosed
An ENT specialist can usually confirm polyps quickly in the clinic. Assessment typically includes:
- Nasal endoscopy – a thin, flexible camera passed gently into the nose to see the polyps and how far they extend
- A CT scan of the sinuses – to map the extent, plan any surgery and check the sinus drainage pathways
- Allergy testing – skin-prick or blood tests if an underlying allergy is suspected
If a growth is one-sided, looks unusual or bleeds easily, a small sample (biopsy) may be taken to rule out other causes before treatment.
Treatment options
The aim is to shrink the polyps, restore airflow and smell, and keep the underlying inflammation under control so they do not return.
- Steroid nasal sprays are the mainstay and are often used long term to prevent regrowth.
- Saline rinses help clear mucus and improve how well sprays reach the lining.
- A short course of oral steroids can rapidly shrink larger polyps, but is used sparingly because of side effects.
- Treating the underlying condition – controlling allergy and asthma reduces recurrence.
- Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is offered when polyps keep blocking the nose or sprays are not enough. It is usually keyhole day surgery; sprays are continued afterwards because polyps can come back.
- Biologic medicines are a newer option for severe, recurring polyps in selected patients, prescribed by a specialist.
There is no fixed price for treatment; surgical costs vary by hospital and ward class, and you should ask your ENT for a written estimate.
When to see a doctor & which specialist
See a doctor if you have a blocked nose, reduced sense of smell or repeated sinus problems lasting more than a few weeks, as these may be polyps that can be treated. You should be reviewed more urgently if you notice:
- A polyp or blockage on one side of the nose only
- Recurrent nosebleeds or blood-stained discharge
- Swelling around the eye, double vision or eye pain
- A sudden severe headache, high fever or neck stiffness with facial symptoms
If you ever have facial swelling spreading to the eye with vision change, severe headache and high fever, treat it as an emergency and call 995 or go to A&E. For ongoing nose and sinus symptoms, the right specialist is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon. You can find one through the best ENT specialists in Singapore directory.
Related guides
- Best ENT Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- ENT clinics directory
- Throat cancer
- Sinus headache
- Low blood pressure
- Brain tumour
- Bone marrow transplant
Sources
- NHS – Nasal polyps
- Mayo Clinic – Nasal polyps
- HealthHub Singapore – Sinusitis
- SingHealth – Nose conditions
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