Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that can grow on the lining of nasal passages or sinuses. Individuals with chronic rhinosinusitis, allergies, asthma, or other issues may be at higher risk of developing nasal polyps. Nasal polyps can sometimes cause symptoms such as loss of smell, runny nose, persistent stuffy nose, headache, or frequent infections. If you do experience symptoms, treatments of nasal polyps include FLONASE Nasal Spray and Zhance. Here’s what happens when nasal polyps go untreated:

1. Frequent sinus infections

If you are experiencing frequent sinus infections, it may be a sign that you have unnoticed nasal polyps. Individuals with nasal polyps are more subject to frequent sinus infections that can then result in chronic sinusitis, where you may experience an always runny nose, postnasal drip, and trouble with nasal breathing. If you think you might have nasal polyps, check in with your doctor to see what treatments can help.

2. Grow out of control and cause damage

If you leave your nasal polyps for too long, they can grow out of control and cause damage in the surrounding areas and structures of your face. This commonly includes the eye, and in more severe cases can affect the brain. If you know you have nasal polyps, don’t hesitate to see a doctor or assume that they will go away on their own—early treatment will cause less damage and an easier recovery.

3. Widen nose and narrowing between eyes

Polyps that are left too long and grow extremely large not only damage surrounding areas, but they can actually alter your facial appearance. Pressure caused by the large growths can actually widen the nose and narrow the space in between your eyes.

4. Loss of scent

Polyps, if in the right spot, can block the part of the nose that allows people to smell. If this becomes blocked, you will lose your ability to smell, and since taste and scent are closely related, this can also impact your ability to taste. If left too long, even if you treat it, your sense of smell may never return—reinforcing the importance of seeking treatment right away.

5. Sleep apnea 

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes you to stop and start breathing while you’re asleep. Nasal polyps can result in sleep apnea because, if you cannot breathe through your nose, you will breathe through your mouth which causes snoring, and if the snoring is severe enough it becomes sleep apnea.

Nasal polyps left untreated for too long can cause serious damage to your body, some of which may be irreversible. It’s extremely important to see a doctor if you suspect you have nasal polyps and get treated right away.