When Should I See a Doctor for Nasal Polyps?
If you are experiencing persistent nasal stuffiness, a diminished sense of smell, or difficulty breathing, it may be time to see a doctor for nasal polyps. At Allergy & Asthma Care, our board-certified physician, Joel H. Selter, M.D., specializes in providing a precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. His expertise ensures you get the right care to find lasting relief and improved breathing. For more information, contact us or book an online appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Suffern, NY, and Monroe, NY.


Table of Contents:
When should I seek medical attention for nasal polyps?
Can nasal polyps cause difficulty breathing through the nose?
Does a reduced or complete loss of my sense of smell mean I might have nasal polyps?
What should I do if I have nasal symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter medications?
If you are experiencing persistent symptoms of nasal polyps—such as ongoing nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through your nose, frequent sinus infections, or a reduced sense of smell or taste—it may be time to seek expert care at Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland. Our specialized team can help when over-the-counter remedies aren’t providing relief.
It’s particularly important to schedule an appointment with our providers if you notice facial pain, swelling around your eyes, or severe headaches, as these could signal complications. Urgent evaluation is also recommended if you develop double vision, changes in your vision, unexplained nosebleeds, or if your symptoms are accompanied by a high fever.
Early assessment and treatment can help prevent further complications, improve your symptoms, and enhance your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have concerns about nasal polyps or related sinus and allergy issues—our dedicated team is here to help.
Yes, nasal polyps can cause difficulty breathing through the nose. Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. When these polyps become large or numerous, they can block normal airflow, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, a reduced sense of smell, a runny nose, or even forcing you to breathe through your mouth—especially at night.
Our specialists frequently see patients with nasal polyps, especially those who have underlying allergies, asthma, or chronic sinusitis. These conditions can increase your risk of developing nasal polyps and may make breathing through your nose even more difficult.
If you’re experiencing persistent nasal congestion or difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek expert care. Our board-certified allergists and asthma specialists can accurately diagnose nasal polyps and identify any underlying allergic or respiratory conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. We offer comprehensive treatment options—including medications, allergy management, and, if necessary, referral for surgical evaluation—to help restore your breathing and improve your quality of life.
A reduced or complete loss of the sense of smell—known medically as hyposmia or anosmia—can be a symptom of several conditions treated at Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, including nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses, often as a result of chronic inflammation caused by allergies or asthma. When these polyps grow large or numerous, they can obstruct airflow and impair your olfactory receptors, which are responsible for detecting odors. Because of this, patients with nasal polyps frequently experience a diminished or absent sense of smell.
However, nasal polyps are not the only reason you might lose your sense of smell. Other common causes include allergies, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, certain medications, and even underlying neurological conditions. In our practice, we see many patients whose allergies or asthma contribute to ongoing nasal inflammation, which can also result in loss of smell—even without the presence of polyps.
If you notice a persistent reduction or complete loss of your ability to smell, especially if it’s accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through your nose, or a decreased sense of taste, it’s important to seek medical attention. Our specialists can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, allergy testing, and imaging studies. In some cases, we may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for further assessment.
If you are experiencing nasal symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or sinus pressure that do not improve after using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it’s important to reassess your situation. At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, we frequently see patients with persistent nasal symptoms that may be due to allergies, sinus infections, or other underlying conditions.
Many viral infections, like the common cold, can cause nasal symptoms that last up to 10 days. However, if your symptoms linger beyond this period, are getting worse, or are interfering with your daily life, it may be a sign of allergies or another respiratory condition that requires specialized care. This is especially important if you have a history of allergies, asthma, or chronic sinus problems.
Be aware of warning signs such as high fever, severe facial pain, swelling around the eyes, or thick green or yellow nasal discharge. These may indicate a more serious infection and should prompt you to seek medical attention promptly.While supportive measures at home—such as saline nasal sprays, humidifiers, and staying hydrated—can be helpful, persistent or recurring symptoms often require professional evaluation. If OTC treatments like antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal steroid sprays are not providing relief after several days, our specialists at Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland are here to help. For more information, call us or book an online appointment. We serve patients from Suffern NY, Monroe NY, New City NY, Spring Valley NY, Monsey NY, Airmont NY and Mahwah NJ.

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