When nasal congestion, pressure, or sinus discomfort becomes persistent, many people assume they’re dealing with just another sinus infection. But in some cases, those long-term symptoms may be caused by nasal polyps—noncancerous growths that can block sinus drainage and mimic the signs of infection. Knowing the difference between a chronic sinus infection vs. a nasal polyp is essential for getting the right treatment.
This article explores how to identify each condition, how they overlap, and when to speak to a specialist if symptoms aren’t improving.
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths that form in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. While small polyps may cause minimal symptoms, larger ones can obstruct airflow, reduce smell, and lead to frequent sinus pressure.
Common symptoms of nasal polyps include:
Persistent nasal congestion
Decreased sense of smell or taste
Postnasal drip
Facial pressure or fullness
Breathing through the mouth, especially at night
Nasal polyps are often linked to chronic inflammation, especially in people with asthma, allergies, or chronic sinus infections.
What Is a Chronic Sinus Infection?
A chronic sinus infection (also called chronic sinusitis) occurs when the sinuses remain inflamed for 12 weeks or more. Unlike acute infections, which may resolve with antibiotics or decongestants, chronic sinus infections are harder to treat and often recur.
Common symptoms of chronic sinus infections include:
Thick nasal discharge (yellow or green)
Facial pressure or headache
Congestion that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medications
Persistent coughing or throat clearing
Fatigue and low-grade fever (sometimes)
When comparing a chronic sinus infection vs. nasal polyp, the biggest distinction is that infections are typically caused by bacteria or viruses, while polyps are inflammatory tissue overgrowths.
Nasal Polyps vs. Chronic Sinus Infection: What’s the Difference?
While both conditions share overlapping symptoms, they have different causes and require different treatments.
| Feature | Chronic Sinus Infection | Nasal Polyps |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Infection (bacteria/virus) | Inflammation-related tissue growth |
| Duration | 12+ weeks | Persistent until removed or treated |
| Nasal discharge | Common (thick, colored) | Often minimal or clear |
| Loss of smell | Sometimes | Common |
| Responds to antibiotics | Often | Rarely |
| Requires surgical removal | Rare | Sometimes (especially large polyps) |
In many cases, patients suffer from both conditionsat once—polyps can block sinuses and make infections more likely, while chronic inflammation from infections can promote polyp growth.
Diagnosing the Underlying Cause
If you're searching “nasal polyps chronic sinus infection vs polyp”, it's likely because symptoms haven’t improved with standard care. Diagnosis typically involves:
Nasal endoscopy: A small camera used by an ENT to view internal nasal passages
CT scan: Shows the extent of sinus blockage or polyp formation
Allergy testing: To identify triggers contributing to inflammation
Proper diagnosis is critical, as treatment options for nasal polyps vs chronic sinus infections differ substantially.
Treatment Options for Nasal Polyps and Chronic Sinus Infections
For nasal polyps, treatment may include:
Nasal corticosteroid sprays (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone)
Oral steroids (short-term to shrink polyps)
Biologic therapies (e.g., Dupixent for polyp reduction)
Polypectomy surgery (for large or persistent polyps)
For chronic sinus infections, treatment may include:
Antibiotics (if infection is bacterial)
Nasal saline rinses
Decongestants and antihistamines (if allergy-related)
Endoscopic sinus surgery (in refractory cases)
If both conditions are present, a combination approach is often needed. Patients often search for “nasal polyp surgery vs sinus surgery” or “best nasal sprays for chronic polyps” to compare treatment routes.
When to See a Specialist
If over-the-counter treatments and primary care visits haven’t improved symptoms, it's time to consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. You may need advanced imaging, biopsy (in rare cases), or long-term management plans involving immunology or allergy specialists.
Search terms like “ENT near me for nasal polyps” or “chronic sinus infection treatment specialists” can help you find local providers who focus on this area.
Final Thoughts
Distinguishing between a chronic sinus infection vs. nasal polyp can be challenging without proper evaluation. While both cause congestion, pressure, and reduced quality of life, their root causes and treatments are very different.
If symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks—especially if there’s facial pain, loss of smell, or frequent infections—ask your doctor about the possibility of nasal polyps. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes, fewer complications, and access to the latest non-surgical therapies.