Nasal polyps are common, non-cancerous growths that develop within the nasal passages or sinuses. Because their obstructive symptoms can cause concern, they are often confused with infectious diseases. Understanding their origin is important, especially to address the common question regarding their transmissibility.
Dispelling the Contagion Myth
Nasal polyps are definitively not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. They are not caused by transmissible pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, that spread through coughing, sneezing, or physical contact. Polyps are simply growths of tissue resulting from chronic inflammation occurring within an individual’s own body.
The physical presence of a polyp is a localized reaction to an internal biological process, not an infectious agent. Therefore, there is no risk of spreading nasal polyps to family members, friends, or co-workers. This is an important distinction, as their symptoms can sometimes mimic those of a persistent cold or sinus infection.
Understanding Nasal Polyps
These growths are soft, painless, and benign, originating from the lining of the sinuses or nasal passages. Nasal polyps often appear as teardrop-shaped masses when small, but can grow larger to resemble peeled grapes. They are typically mobile and nontender to the touch, and small ones may go unnoticed because they lack nerve sensation.
Polyps most frequently form where the sinuses drain into the nasal cavity, particularly in the middle meatus. When these masses enlarge or occur in clusters, they become physical obstructions that interfere with normal function. Their size can impede the flow of air, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose, and can reduce or entirely block the sense of smell and taste.
Underlying Causes and Risk Factors
The formation of nasal polyps is linked to chronic inflammation of the nasal and sinus lining, known as chronic rhinosinusitis. This prolonged irritation causes the nasal mucosa to become swollen, leading to a buildup of fluid in the tissue. Over time, this fluid collection causes the tissue to bulge and prolapse, forming the characteristic polyp structure.
Several specific health conditions are closely associated with an increased risk of developing these growths. These factors include asthma, which involves chronic airway inflammation that can extend to the nasal passages. Other predispositions are allergic fungal sinusitis and cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects mucus production. A specific risk factor is aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), a condition involving sensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. These underlying medical conditions, rather than external transmission, are the true drivers of polyp development.
Treatment Options and Management
Treatment for existing nasal polyps typically begins with medical approaches aimed at shrinking the growths and reducing inflammation. The primary medical intervention involves topical nasal corticosteroids, delivered via nasal sprays, which are used to reduce the size of the polyps. For more severe cases, a short course of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be prescribed to significantly decrease swelling and congestion.
When medication proves ineffective, or the polyps are large and obstructive, surgical removal, known as a polypectomy, may be necessary. This is often performed using functional endoscopic sinus surgery, a minimally invasive procedure. Because polyps have a high rate of recurrence, long-term management often requires continued use of topical nasal steroids or saline washes after surgery to maintain clear nasal passages. Biological medications that target specific inflammatory pathways are also becoming an option for patients with chronic disease that is resistant to standard therapy.