What can be mistaken for nasal polyps? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

Nasal polyps, those soft, sac-like growths in the nasal passages and sinuses, can be quite bothersome. However, the symptoms they cause, such as nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell, and facial pressure, often overlap with other nasal and sinus conditions. This makes it challenging to self-diagnose and increases the risk of mistaking other issues for nasal polyps. Furthermore, other more serious growths can also mimic the appearance of polyps inside the nose, adding to the potential for confusion. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand what other conditions can be mistaken for nasal polyps, and when professional medical attention is necessary. In short, a variety of conditions, including common sinus issues, anatomical abnormalities, and even tumors, can mimic nasal polyps. These include, but are not limited to:

• Common Sinus Conditions: Acute rhinosinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis, and nonallergic rhinitis.
• Other Nasal Growths: Encephaloceles, gliomas, inverted papillomas, nasal tumors (including cancers), and nasal foreign bodies.
• Infections: Nasal Vestibulitis, and nasal furunculosis

Let’s explore these potential mimics in more detail.

Conditions That Mimic the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

Many conditions cause similar symptoms as nasal polyps, making it hard to distinguish them based on symptoms alone. Here’s a breakdown:

Acute and Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Both acute rhinosinusitis (a common cold or sinus infection) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) share symptoms with nasal polyps. These can include nasal congestion, facial pain, and post-nasal drip. The main difference often lies in the duration. Acute rhinosinusitis typically resolves within a few weeks, while CRS persists for longer than 12 weeks. Unlike polyps, these conditions are often associated with thick, discolored mucus and are often triggered by viral or bacterial infections. Although nasal polyps can co-exist with chronic rhinosinusitis, making it more difficult to differentiate.

Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, triggered by allergens such as pollen or pet dander, and nonallergic rhinitis, where triggers aren’t identified, both result in symptoms that can be confused with nasal polyps. Sneezing, itchy nose, and runny nose are hallmarks of rhinitis. Although nasal congestion is also present in rhinitis, nasal polyps tend to be a more persistent form of congestion. Often there will be clear nasal drainage in rhinitis whereas it can be thick and/or yellow or green in rhinosinusitis.

Nasal Growths That Mimic the Appearance of Nasal Polyps

It’s crucial to distinguish nasal polyps from other growths, as the treatment and implications can vary significantly.

Encephalocele and Glioma

These rare conditions involve brain tissue extending into the nasal cavity. An encephalocele is a sac-like protrusion of the brain through a defect in the skull. A glioma is a benign tumor that consists of glial cells. Although both are rare, they are critical to differentiate from nasal polyps because they could have more severe complications if a surgical procedure is performed.

Inverted Papilloma

Inverted papillomas are benign tumors that can resemble polyps upon examination, however they are locally aggressive, tend to recur, and can become malignant. Unlike polyps, they often grow inwards and can erode the surrounding bone. These typically show up as a unilateral mass, meaning they are found on one side of the nose.

Nasal Tumors and Cancers

Nasal tumors, which could be benign or malignant (cancerous), can present as unilateral growths within the nose. Unlike nasal polyps, tumors often affect only one side of the nose. Key symptoms of nasal cancer may include persistent nasal blockage, epistaxis (nosebleeds), facial swelling, and unexplained pain or pressure. Lymphomas in the nose can manifest with similar symptoms such as nasal obstruction, nosebleeds, headache, and unilateral facial or nasal swelling. These symptoms should be further investigated to rule out any serious conditions.

Nasal Foreign Bodies

Especially common in children, nasal foreign bodies can be misdiagnosed as sinusitis or other forms of nasal growths, particularly if they’ve been lodged in the nose for some time. These objects can cause inflammation and similar symptoms to nasal polyps, including nasal discharge and congestion.

Other Nasal Conditions That Can Be Confused With Nasal Polyps

Nasal Vestibulitis and Furunculosis

These bacterial infections in the nose can present with pimple-like growths in the nasal vestibule (the area just inside the nostrils), often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Nasal vestibulitis can cause crusts, pain, and bleeding. Nasal furunculosis causes painful swelling, and usually affects the hair-bearing parts of the nose. These conditions are generally painful, whereas nasal polyps are typically painless.

Importance of Proper Diagnosis

The conditions that can be mistaken for nasal polyps vary widely in severity and treatment. Given the diverse range of possibilities, self-diagnosis is not advised. If you experience persistent symptoms that might indicate nasal polyps, such as ongoing congestion, reduced sense of smell, or facial pressure, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination, possibly using a nasoscope (a lighted instrument), and determine the appropriate course of action. Imaging studies, such as CT scans, may be needed for a more detailed look at the nasal passages and sinuses. This will help to ensure you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment plan, avoiding the potential dangers of mistaking something serious for a less severe condition like nasal polyps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I tell if I have nasal polyps or just a cold?

A common cold (acute rhinosinusitis) usually comes with viral symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and cough, and typically resolves within a week or two. Nasal polyps tend to cause persistent symptoms like nasal blockage, reduced sense of smell, and facial pressure that can last much longer. A doctor’s examination can help differentiate between the two.

2. Do nasal polyps always cause symptoms?

Not always. Small nasal polyps might not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, larger polyps, or clusters of polyps, can cause significant nasal obstruction and other symptoms.

3. Can I feel nasal polyps with my finger?

You may be able to feel a nasal polyp with your finger if it is close to your nostril and they usually feel like soft, teardrop-shaped growths. However, it’s generally not recommended to put your finger inside your nose.

4. Are nasal polyps hard or soft?

Nasal polyps are soft, sac-like growths. If something feels hard in your nose, it’s more likely to be something other than a polyp, and a physician should evaluate the growth.

5. Can nasal polyps cause eye problems?

Yes, uncontrolled growth of nasal polyps can damage the sinuses, affect vision, and even impact the shape of the face. Therefore it’s essential to seek treatment for large or bothersome polyps.

6. What does a nasal tumor feel like?

Early symptoms of paranasal sinus tumors often mimic colds or infections, and are easily missed. They can present as persistent blockage, changes in voice or breathing, or reduced sense of smell. Nasal tumors typically only present on one side of the nose.

7. Are nasal polyps always visible to the naked eye?

Not usually. Small polyps may be hidden and not visible without a nasoscope (a lighted instrument used by a doctor).

8. Can nasal polyps fall out on their own?

Nasal polyps will not simply “fall out”. They will require treatment, either with medication or surgery, if they are causing symptoms.

9. Can nasal polyps be misdiagnosed?

Yes, misdiagnosis can occur. For example, inverted papillomas are sometimes misdiagnosed as nasal polyps due to their similar appearance.

10. What natural remedies can help with nasal polyps?

Some people find relief with natural remedies such as capsaicin, turmeric, steam inhalation, saline nasal irrigation, and bromelain. However, these are not substitutes for professional medical treatment.

11. How are nasal polyps diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, sometimes with a nasoscope, and may include a CT scan of the sinuses.

12. What is the first-line treatment for nasal polyps?

The first-line treatment for nasal polyps is typically a nasal corticosteroid spray. Oral corticosteroids may be used for more severe cases.

13. Is it OK to leave nasal polyps untreated?

No, it is not recommended to leave nasal polyps untreated. Untreated nasal polyps can lead to complications like obstructive sleep apnea, asthma flare-ups, and sinus infections.

14. What causes nasal vestibulitis?

Nasal vestibulitis is a bacterial infection, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, often triggered by nose picking or excessive nose blowing.

15. Why is one of my nostrils always blocked?

There are several reasons for a blocked nostril, including a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or even the body’s natural nasal cycle of airflow.