Do you often wake up feeling congested, snore at night, or struggle to breathe through your nose? The culprit may not just be allergies or a cold—it could be nasal polyps.
At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and our team help patients understand what nasal polyps are, how they impact breathing and sleep, and the treatment options that can restore comfort and improve quality of life.
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They are often the result of chronic inflammation caused by conditions such as:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Chronic rhinosinusitis
Although nasal polyps are usually painless, their size and location can significantly obstruct airflow, making it difficult to breathe through the nose and increasing the risk of sinus infections.
How Nasal Polyps Affect Breathing and Sleep
When nasal polyps block the nasal passages, patients may experience:
- Nasal congestion – constant difficulty breathing through the nose
- Reduced sense of smell or taste – caused by obstruction in airflow
- Snoring or sleep apnea – disrupted airflow can affect sleep quality
- Frequent sinus infections – trapped mucus creates an environment for bacteria
In severe cases, nasal polyps can contribute to chronic mouth breathing, fatigue, and reduced overall quality of sleep. This is especially concerning for individuals with preexisting conditions like asthma, as poor nasal airflow can worsen symptoms.
Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps
Treatment typically depends on the size of the polyps and the severity of symptoms:
- Medications
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation and shrink polyps
- Oral corticosteroids for larger or persistent polyps
- Allergy management to reduce triggers
- In-Office Procedures
- Minimally invasive techniques such as VivAer®, Neuromark®, or RhinAer® may help improve nasal airflow
- Balloon sinuplasty can be combined with polyp treatment to clear sinuses and enhance breathing
- Surgery
- In cases where polyps are large or resistant to medical therapy, surgical removal may be recommended
- Surgery is often combined with ongoing medical management to prevent recurrence
With proper treatment, patients often experience improved nasal breathing, better sleep quality, and fewer sinus infections.
When to See an ENT Specialist
If you experience persistent nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, snoring, or difficulty breathing through your nose, it’s time to seek professional evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment of nasal polyps can prevent complications and improve daily comfort.
Author
Ramie A. Tritt, MD
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.
