Will nasal polyps recur in a 40-year-old woman after surgery?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 40-year-old woman dealing with constant nasal blockage and loss of smell for several months. My ENT diagnosed me with nasal polyps. I have already tried sprays and tablets, but the symptoms keep coming back.

I want to know:

Is surgery the only long-term solution, and do polyps usually return after removal?
Since I read polyps can be linked to asthma or allergies, should I get tested for those?
Can biologic injections be an alternative to surgery?

The congestion is affecting my sleep and draining my energy during the day. I am worried this will keep recurring and impact my quality of life. Please help.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can imagine how overwhelming this must feel for you.

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths inside the nose and sinuses, but they can cause ongoing blockage, congestion, and loss of smell. Unfortunately, they often come back even after treatment.

Steroid sprays and short courses of tablets can shrink the polyps for a while, but once you stop the medicine, they usually return. That is why doctors sometimes suggest endoscopic sinus surgery if symptoms are severe or not improving with medicines. Still, surgery is not always a permanent cure, because polyps may grow back, especially if conditions like asthma (a long-term condition that affects the lungs and airways), allergies, or chronic sinus issues are not addressed.

Since nasal polyps are commonly linked with asthma, allergies, or even Aspirin sensitivity, it is a good idea to get tested for those. Treating the underlying problem often helps reduce the chances of recurrence.

The good news is that newer biologic injections, such as Dupilumab or Mepolizumab, are now available. These can shrink polyps, improve breathing and smell, and sometimes delay or even replace the need for surgery.

Because your symptoms are affecting your sleep and energy, it is worth discussing both biologic therapy and surgery with your ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor). A complete plan that also considers allergies or asthma will give you the best chance of long-term relief. With the right approach and regular follow-up, many people feel a big improvement in their quality of life.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.