Symptoms:

• Mouth breathing
• Nasal obstruction
• Runny nose
• Sound congested

Signs and tests:

Examining the nose shows a grayish grape-like mass in the nasal cavity.

Treatment:

Treatment may include medication, such as steroids or antibiotics. Some people may need surgery, such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Expectations (prognosis):

Removing the polyps with surgery usually allows people to breathe easier through the nose.

Complications:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Nasal polyps may come back.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you regularly have difficulty breathing through your nose.

Prevention:

Although there is no real way to prevent nasal polyps, therapy aimed at the cause can help. Nasal sprays, antihistamines, and allergy shots may help prevent polyps that block the airway.

Also, aggressive medical treatment of sinus infections is helpful.