Is nasal polyp surgery safe for a 30-year-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 30 years old and have been dealing with nasal polyps for about three years, but they have gotten significantly worse since I started trying to get pregnant about a year ago. My sense of smell is gone; I can barely breathe through my nose and get frequent sinus infections. I am wondering if hormonal changes from trying to conceive or a potential pregnancy could be affecting my polyps.

I have been using a nasal steroid spray, but I am not sure if it is safe if I do get pregnant. The constant mouth breathing and sinus pressure are affecting my sleep, and I am worried this could impact a pregnancy. I also have asthma, which seems to be getting worse along with the nasal polyps, and I am concerned about managing both conditions during pregnancy.

My ENT (otorhinolaryngologist) mentioned surgery, but I would prefer to wait until after I have a baby if possible.

Can hormonal changes during pregnancy worsen nasal polyps?
Are nasal steroid sprays safe to use while trying to conceive and during pregnancy?
How might nasal polyps and breathing difficulties affect my pregnancy?
Is nasal polyp surgery safe during pregnancy if my symptoms become severe?
Could my worsening asthma be related to my nasal polyps?
What pregnancy-safe treatments are available for nasal polyps and sinus infections?
Will my nasal polyps improve after pregnancy due to hormonal changes?

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

Hormonal changes, particularly increased estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy, can cause nasal congestion and swelling of the nasal lining, worsening existing nasal polyps and related sinus symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays such as Budesonide are safe to use while trying to conceive.

During pregnancy, when used at recommended doses, significant nasal obstruction can contribute to poor sleep, chronic mouth breathing, and reduced oxygen levels, which may affect overall well-being and, in severe cases, pregnancy health, especially if asthma is also poorly controlled.

Nasal polyp surgery is usually avoided during pregnancy unless symptoms become severe and threaten breathing or quality of life; in this case, it would be considered only after thorough multidisciplinary evaluation. Worsening asthma can be linked to uncontrolled nasal polyps and chronic sinus inflammation, as both are part of the same airway inflammatory process.

Pregnancy-safe options include continued use of approved nasal steroid sprays, saline irrigations, steam inhalation, and cautious use of certain antibiotics if a sinus infection is confirmed. Many women find that nasal polyps remain the same or even worsen during pregnancy, with improvement varying after delivery, depending on hormone levels and underlying inflammation. Therefore, ongoing follow-up with your ENT (otorhinolaryngologist) specialist is recommended for you and your baby.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.

Thank you.