Do Nasal Polyps Go Away on Their Own?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They commonly occur in people with chronic inflammation due to conditions such as asthma, allergies, recurrent infections, or immune disorders—all conditions we specialize in managing here at Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland.

Many patients ask if nasal polyps will disappear on their own after a sinus infection resolves. Unfortunately, in most cases, nasal polyps do not go away simply because an infection has cleared up. Polyps are caused by ongoing inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, not just by a single episode of infection. While treating a sinus infection may reduce swelling and relieve some symptoms, the underlying inflammation that leads to polyp formation often remains, meaning the polyps persist unless specifically treated.

At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, our providers are experienced in diagnosing and managing nasal polyps. Treatment typically involves corticosteroid nasal sprays or oral steroids to reduce inflammation and shrink the polyps. For larger or persistent polyps, we may discuss surgical options with you. Importantly, we focus on identifying and managing the underlying causes, such as allergies or asthma, to help prevent polyps from coming back.

At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, we understand that allergies can significantly impact your overall respiratory health—including contributing to conditions like nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop inside the nasal passages or sinuses, most often as a result of chronic inflammation. Allergic reactions—especially those associated with allergic rhinitis (hay fever)—are a common cause of this ongoing inflammation in the nasal and sinus tissues.

When you’re exposed to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, your immune system releases chemicals like histamine, which can inflame your nasal passages. Over time, this persistent inflammation can create an environment where nasal polyps are more likely to develop or recur. It’s important to remember that allergies are just one risk factor for nasal polyps. Other conditions, including asthma (a specialty of our practice), chronic sinus infections, and certain immune disorders, can also increase your risk.

Effective allergy management—through medications, immunotherapy, or environmental controls—can help reduce inflammation and potentially lower your risk of developing nasal polyps. If you suspect you have nasal polyps or are struggling to control your allergy symptoms, our specialists are here to help. We offer comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans to help you breathe easier and improve your quality of life.

At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, we frequently see nasal polyps in patients with conditions such as allergies, asthma, or recurrent sinus infections. A common question we hear from our Rockland patients is whether nasal polyps can shrink or go away on their own, without medical treatment. In most cases, the answer is no. Nasal polyps are typically maintained by ongoing inflammation—often related to allergic reactions or asthma—that does not resolve on its own. While very small polyps might occasionally decrease in size if inflammation is reduced (for example, if an allergen is avoided), spontaneous and significant regression of established polyps is rare.

Most patients with nasal polyps require medical intervention to manage symptoms and reduce polyp size. Our experienced providers may recommend treatments such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, oral steroids, or—in persistent cases—referral for surgical removal. These treatments can help relieve symptoms like nasal congestion, loss of smell, facial pressure, and chronic sinus infections. If you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to nasal polyps, it is important to consult a specialist. Ignoring these symptoms or hoping the polyps will resolve on their own can result in worsened symptoms or complications. At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, we are committed to providing expert diagnosis and personalized treatment options to help you breathe easier and feel your best.

At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, our specialists, led by Dr. Joel H. Selter, MD, provide comprehensive care for patients dealing with allergies, asthma, and related conditions—including the prevention and management of nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that can develop in the nasal passages or sinuses, often as a result of chronic inflammation from allergies, asthma, recurrent infections, or immune disorders.

While our experienced team can offer expert guidance and medical management strategies to help reduce your risk of developing nasal polyps, it’s important to understand that complete prevention is not always possible. Factors such as genetic predisposition can play a significant role, regardless of intervention.

At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, we focus on identifying and treating underlying causes by managing allergies and asthma effectively. Recommendations may include the use of nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline nasal rinses, or other personalized treatments to reduce inflammation and minimize polyp formation. Regular follow-up visits and adherence to your customized treatment plan are essential to help control symptoms and catch any issues early.

Though we strive to lower your risk through expert care and individualized strategies, no method can guarantee that nasal polyps will never develop. However, with proactive management and ongoing support from our team, you can minimize symptoms and maintain the best possible sinus health. For more information, contact us or book an online appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Suffern, NY and Monroe, NY. We serve patients from Suffern NY, Monroe NY, New City NY, Spring Valley NY, Monsey NY, Airmont NY and Mahwah NJ.