Nasal polyps are benign growths inside the nasal passage which originate from the lining (mucosa) of the nose. They look a lot like yellowish-coloured grapes and may cause the nose to feel blocked or lose its sense of smell. Although the precise cause of nasal polyps remains unknown, nasal polyps are thought to be related in some way to underlying allergy problems with the nose. Medications such as steroid sprays are prescribed to control or shrink these polyps. Sometimes, steroid tablets are also prescribed to more effectively reduce the size of these polyps.

Nasal polyps usually occur in both nasal passages so if they are only found on one side, then this means further investigation like a CT scan and/or biopsies may have to be performed, in addition to the standard flexible endoscopic examination of the nose.

If nasal polyps fail to respond to the medications prescribed, then the next step is surgical removal via a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) approach. This is minimally invasive and performed entirely inside the nose with the guidance of an endoscopic camera. The aim of surgery is to restore the nasal airways so that the patient can now breathe better.