Nasal Polyps and Asthma: How They Connect and What You Can Do

When you have nasal polyps, noncancerous growths in the lining of your nose or sinuses that block airflow and cause chronic congestion. Also known as sinus polyps, they don’t just make your nose stuffy—they can make your asthma, a condition where airways become inflamed and narrow, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Also known as reactive airway disease, it worse. Studies show nearly half of people with nasal polyps also have asthma, and those with both conditions are more likely to need stronger meds or hospital visits.

This link isn’t random. Both are driven by the same kind of long-term inflammation in the airways. Think of it like a chain reaction: swollen nasal passages from polyps mean you breathe through your mouth more, drying out your lungs. At the same time, asthma inflammation spreads upward, making polyps grow bigger. It’s not just about symptoms—it’s about the body’s immune system going into overdrive. People with this combo often have higher levels of certain white blood cells and proteins, like eosinophils and IL-5, that fuel the cycle. That’s why treating one without the other often fails. You can’t just clear the nose and expect the lungs to fix themselves.

Managing this dual problem means looking at the whole picture. Steroid sprays help shrink polyps and calm lung inflammation at the same time. Some newer biologic drugs, like dupilumab and mepolizumab, target the exact immune signals causing both conditions. And while surgery can remove polyps, they often come back unless the underlying inflammation is controlled. Lifestyle matters too—avoiding allergens, quitting smoking, and keeping humidity levels steady can reduce flare-ups. Even something as simple as saline rinses can reduce mucus buildup and ease pressure on both nasal passages and airways.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve lived with this combo. You’ll see how to spot early signs of worsening polyps, which asthma meds work best when polyps are present, and how to avoid common mistakes like overusing decongestants that raise blood pressure or skip your steroid spray because your nose feels fine. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re battle-tested tips from patients and doctors who know how messy this gets. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been struggling for years, there’s something here that can help you breathe easier—today.