Polip Hidung (Nasal Polyps): Tanda, Punca, Ubat & Pembedahan

Polip hidung (nasal polyps) are painless, soft growths inside the nose that grow from long-term swelling of the nose and sinus lining. They are not cancer, but they can block your nose, reduce your sense of smell and taste, and cause a runny nose, postnasal drip and snoring. Unlike a cold, they do not get better without treatment. They are more common in people with asthma, hay fever, long-term sinus problems or sensitivity to aspirin. Treatment usually starts with a steroid nose spray or drops; if that does not help after about 12 weeks, surgery may be suggested, although polyps often grow back. A growth or blockage on only one side of the nose should always be checked by a doctor. This guide explains the signs, causes, tests, medicines and surgery, and what to know about painkillers and pregnancy.

Apa itu polip hidung?

Nasal polyps are painless soft growths inside your nose. They are not usually serious, but they can keep growing and block your nose if not treated (NHS). They grow on the lining of the nose or the sinuses, often where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity (MedlinePlus). A mature polyp looks like a peeled, seedless grape (MSD Manual), and polyps usually appear on both sides of the nose (Cleveland Clinic).

Small polyps may not cause any problems, but large polyps can block your sinuses or nasal airway (MedlinePlus). Nasal polyps are not cancer. They seem to grow due to long-term swelling and inflammation in the nose from allergies, asthma or infection (MedlinePlus).

Doctors often see nasal polyps as part of a long-term condition called chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, where the lining of the nose and sinuses stays inflamed for more than 12 weeks (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology). About 20% of people with chronic rhinosinusitis have nasal polyps (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology).

Tanda polip hidung

Symptoms of nasal polyps include (NHS):

• a blocked nose (hidung tersumbat);
• a runny nose;
• a feeling that mucus is slowly dripping down the back of your throat (postnasal drip);
• a reduced sense of smell or taste;
• snoring.

Other symptoms can include sneezing and, if you also have a sinus infection, headache and pain (MedlinePlus). With polyps, you may feel like you always have a head cold (MedlinePlus). Of all the symptoms, a blocked nose and loss of smell tend to be the most bothersome (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology).

Many people are not aware they have nasal polyps (MSD Manual), and small polyps may cause no symptoms at all (MedlinePlus). If polyps block your sinuses, you may also get symptoms of sinusitis (NHS). Large polyps can lead to repeated sinus infections, more frequent asthma attacks in people with asthma, and sleep apnoea or other sleep problems (Cleveland Clinic).

Polip hidung, resdung, sinus atau selsema?

Nasal polyps can feel like a cold, but colds tend to clear up within a few days, whereas nasal polyps will not get better unless they are treated (NHS). This table shows how they usually differ from other common nose problems:

Only a doctor can tell for sure, by looking inside your nose (NHS).

Punca dan siapa lebih berisiko

It is not clear what causes nasal polyps (NHS). No one knows exactly why some people get them, but you may be more likely to get nasal polyps if you have (MedlinePlus):

• asthma;
• aspirin sensitivity;
• long-term (chronic) sinus infections;
• hay fever;
• cystic fibrosis.

Genes may also play a role (Cleveland Clinic), and there may be a family history of the problem (MSD Manual). Nasal polyps typically develop in adults in their 30s or 40s (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology), and they are about twice as common in men as in women (Cleveland Clinic). Women can still get them.

Nasal polyps are rare in children (NHS). If a child has nasal polyps, doctors will want to check for cystic fibrosis, as nasal polyps are present in up to 86% of people with cystic fibrosis (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology).

Polip hidung di Malaysia

Research from Malaysia and the region adds a few useful points:

• Asian polyps may be different: in a study of 80 patients having their first nasal polyp operation at University Malaya Medical Centre, 48.75% had polyps with mainly neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), unlike the eosinophil-type polyps usually seen in Caucasian populations but similar to other Asian studies. The authors suggest that the cause of polyps may differ between Asian and Caucasian patients (Tikaram and Prepageran, 2013).
• Why polyps go to the lab: in a review of 95 patients who had nasal polyps removed at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, 93.6% of the samples were inflammatory polyps and 5.3% were other non-cancerous growths, but 1 sample (1.1%) was cancer. The authors concluded that all removed nasal polyps should be checked under a microscope (Irfan and Shamim, 2009).
• Regional expert advice: ear, nose and throat specialists from Malaysia and other ASEAN countries agreed that this condition is diagnosed when at least two symptoms, such as a blocked nose, runny nose, postnasal drip, reduced smell or facial pressure, last 12 weeks or more, together with a look inside the nose with an endoscope. They noted there is not yet enough data to know how common it is in the ASEAN region; worldwide, it affects about 1% to 4% of people (Abdullah and others, 2025).

Polip pada satu belah hidung: bila perlu risau

Nasal polyps usually appear on both sides of the nose (Cleveland Clinic). A growth on only one side is different. One-sided nasal polyps may need to be investigated further, as they might be a nasal or sinus tumour (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology). Tell your doctor if you notice a single growth on one side of your nose (Cleveland Clinic).

The NHS lists these early symptoms of nasal and sinus cancer (NHS):

• a blocked nose on one side that does not go away;
• nosebleeds;
• some loss of smell;
• mucus running out of your nose or down your throat, which may have blood in it.

Many of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions, so having them does not mean you have cancer. But it is important to get them checked, because finding cancer early may make it easier to treat (NHS). Nasal discharge from only one side, or that smells bad, is also a reason to see a doctor (MedlinePlus). For ordinary nosebleeds, see our guide to hidung berdarah.

Bagaimana doktor mengesahkan polip hidung

A GP should be able to tell if you have nasal polyps by looking inside your nose (NHS). You may then see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, who can look further into your nose with special tools (MedlinePlus):

• Nasal endoscopy: a thin tube with a light and camera is used to see the full extent of the polyps (MedlinePlus).
• CT scan of the sinuses: shows how far the polyps and swelling extend (MedlinePlus). ASEAN specialists advise that a CT scan alone is not enough to diagnose polyps, but it is useful before surgery (Abdullah and others, 2025).
• Biopsy: the doctor may take a small sample to make sure the growth is not cancer (MSD Manual).
• Allergy tests: may be suggested to find allergens that lead to inflammation in the nose (Cleveland Clinic).

You usually cannot see nasal polyps by looking up your own nose (Cleveland Clinic).

Ubat polip hidung

Medicines may help relieve symptoms, but rarely get rid of nasal polyps completely (MedlinePlus). The usual options are:

Using a steroid nose spray

Mometasone is one steroid nose spray that is used to treat nasal polyps (NHS). Some points from the NHS:

• You need to use it regularly for it to work. For nasal polyps, it may take up to 2 months to get better (NHS).
• To use it, blow your nose gently, close one nostril, bend your head forward slightly, put the nozzle in the other nostril and breathe in slowly as you spray (NHS).
• The most common side effects are an unpleasant smell, a dry or sore nose or throat, and nosebleeds (NHS).
• Follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice about how long to use it (NHS).

Follow the advice of the GP about how to use your medicine and how long to take it for (NHS).

Biologics in Malaysia

Biologics are given as injections every 2 to 4 weeks (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology). In Malaysia, two biologics, omalizumab and dupilumab, are approved for this condition. ASEAN specialists advise using them only for people whose polyps are still not controlled after appropriate medicine and adequate sinus surgery, partly because long-term biologics cost much more than a one-time operation (Abdullah and others, 2025).

Pembedahan buang polip hidung

If there is no sign of improvement after about 12 weeks, the GP may suggest surgery to remove your polyps (NHS). Surgery may also be needed for very large polyps (MedlinePlus), or if they block the airways or cause frequent sinus infections (MSD Manual).

The usual operation is endoscopic sinus surgery. The surgeon passes a thin tube with a camera into your nostrils and removes the polyps (MedlinePlus), so there are no visible cuts or stitches (Cleveland Clinic). It is usually done under general anaesthetic, and most people can go home the same day (ENT UK).

Recovery

• Your nose may feel blocked for a week or 10 days after the operation (ENT UK).
• Minor nosebleeds are very common. Do not blow your nose for 2 days after you get home; about 1 in 20 people have a bad nosebleed after surgery (ENT UK).
• Up to 2 weeks off work is usually recommended, and heavy lifting, running, exercise classes and heavy housework should be avoided for 2 weeks (ENT UK).
• Avoid flying for 2 weeks after the operation (ENT UK).
• Keep using a steroid nose spray or drops and salt water rinses afterwards, as this makes the operation more successful (ENT UK).

Risks

Most endoscopic sinus surgery takes place without complications. Serious complications affecting the eye or the brain are rare; for example, bleeding into the eye socket happens in roughly 1 in 500 cases, and leakage of the fluid around the brain in about 1 in 1,000 cases (ENT UK). Discuss the risks and benefits with your surgeon.

Will the polyps come back?

Most people who have surgery see an improvement, but it is common for polyps to grow back, usually within a few years (NHS). Overall, nearly 9 in 10 operations are successful for up to 5 years, and roughly 1 in 10 people may need another operation within 5 to 10 years (ENT UK). Polyps are more likely to grow back in people with asthma or sensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs, and smoking seems to make further surgery more likely (ENT UK). Even after surgery, up to 40% of patients may continue to have symptoms and need medicine (Abdullah and others, 2025).

Your sense of smell may not return after the operation (ENT UK). Loss of smell or taste does not always improve after medicine or surgery (MedlinePlus).

Mitos dan rawatan sendiri

It is not always possible to prevent nasal polyps (Cleveland Clinic). Treating sinus infections right away may help (MedlinePlus), and avoiding airborne allergens and irritants and using a salt water rinse may help reduce your risk (Cleveland Clinic).

Polip hidung, asma dan ubat tahan sakit

Asthma occurs in 26% to 56% of people with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology). Some people with asthma and nasal polyps get worse nose symptoms or breathing problems after taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This is called aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), and it affects about 10% of people with nasal polyps. People with AERD tend to have severe sinus disease and asthma that is often hard to control (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology).

This matters for women, because NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid are often used for senggugut (period pain). The NHS says:

• ibuprofen may not be suitable if you have asthma or allergies such as hay fever, or if you have had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or another NSAID (NHS);
• aspirin may not be suitable if you have asthma or have had a reaction to aspirin, ibuprofen or another NSAID (NHS).

If you have nasal polyps or asthma, ask a pharmacist or doctor before taking any NSAID, and tell them if a painkiller has ever made your breathing or nose worse. Low-dose aspirin is sometimes prescribed in pregnancy to help prevent high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) (NHS), so if you have had a reaction to aspirin, make sure your doctor knows.

Polip hidung semasa mengandung

Pregnancy itself can cause a stuffy nose (MedlinePlus). If your nose stays blocked and you also lose your sense of smell, or it is blocked on one side only, see a doctor rather than assuming it is the pregnancy.

• Steroid nose spray: mometasone nasal spray can be used during pregnancy. Very little of the medicine gets into your blood and almost none gets to your baby (NHS). It is also fine to use as normal while breastfeeding, and there is no evidence that it reduces fertility (NHS).
• Other medicines: tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are pregnant before taking any medicine, including steroid tablets, decongestants and painkillers.
• Nosebleeds: a steroid spray can cause nosebleeds (NHS); see our guide to hidung berdarah for how to stop one.

Bila perlu jumpa doktor

See a GP if (NHS):

• you think you may have nasal polyps;
• you have difficulty breathing;
• your symptoms are getting worse;
• you notice changes to your sense of smell.

Also see a doctor if:

• you often find it hard to breathe through your nose (MedlinePlus);
• your nose is blocked on one side only or there is blood in your mucus, and it does not get better after a few weeks (NHS);
• your nasal discharge comes from only one side, smells bad, or symptoms last more than 3 weeks (MedlinePlus);
• your child has a nasal polyp, as doctors will want to check for cystic fibrosis (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology);
• your asthma is getting harder to control.

Contact a doctor promptly if a stuffy nose comes with swelling of the forehead, eyes, side of the nose or cheek, or with blurred vision (MedlinePlus), or if you suddenly get vision problems such as double vision (NHS).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Apa itu polip hidung (what are nasal polyps)?

Polip hidung (nasal polyps) are painless, soft growths inside the nose (NHS). They grow on the lining of the nose or sinuses, often where the sinuses open into the nose, and look like grey, grape-shaped growths (MedlinePlus). They seem to grow because of long-term swelling and inflammation in the nose, from allergies, asthma or infection (MedlinePlus). They are not usually serious, but they can keep growing and block your nose if not treated (NHS).

Apa tanda polip hidung (what are the signs of nasal polyps)?

Symptoms include a blocked nose, a runny nose, mucus dripping down the back of your throat (postnasal drip), a reduced sense of smell or taste, and snoring (NHS). Small polyps may cause no symptoms (MedlinePlus). Nasal polyps can feel like a cold, but colds tend to clear up within a few days, whereas nasal polyps will not get better unless they are treated (NHS).

Adakah polip hidung kanser (are nasal polyps cancer)?

No. Nasal polyps are not cancer (MedlinePlus), and unlike polyps in the colon or bladder, they do not suggest an increased risk of cancer (MSD Manual). However, a growth on only one side of the nose needs checking, because it could be a nasal or sinus tumour rather than a polyp (Cleveland Clinic). In a Malaysian review of 95 nasal polyp samples removed at a university hospital, 1 (about 1%) turned out to be cancer, which is why doctors usually send removed polyps to the lab (Irfan and Shamim, 2009).

Boleh ke polip hidung hilang tanpa pembedahan (can nasal polyps go away without surgery)?

Sometimes they shrink with medicine. A steroid nose spray or drops are usually tried first to shrink the polyps, and steroid tablets may sometimes be given for up to 2 weeks (NHS). Medicines may relieve symptoms but rarely get rid of polyps completely (MedlinePlus), and polyps rarely go away on their own (Cleveland Clinic). If there is no improvement after about 12 weeks, surgery may be suggested (NHS).

Adakah polip hidung datang balik selepas pembedahan (do nasal polyps come back after surgery)?

They often do. Most people who have surgery see an improvement, but it is common for polyps to grow back, usually within a few years (NHS). Polyps are more likely to grow back in people with asthma or sensitivity to aspirin or other NSAID painkillers (ENT UK). Using a steroid nose spray every day and rinsing with salt water after surgery makes it less likely you will need another operation (ENT UK).

Boleh guna spray steroid hidung semasa mengandung (can I use a steroid nose spray while pregnant)?

Mometasone, a steroid nose spray used for nasal polyps, can be used during pregnancy; very little of the medicine gets into your blood and almost none gets to your baby (NHS). It is also fine to use as normal while breastfeeding (NHS). Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are pregnant before using any medicine, and ask your doctor before taking steroid tablets. A stuffy nose can also be caused by pregnancy itself (MedlinePlus).

Boleh ambil ibuprofen jika ada polip hidung (can I take ibuprofen if I have nasal polyps)?

Check with a doctor or pharmacist first. Some people with nasal polyps and asthma get worse nose symptoms or breathing problems after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen; this affects about 10% of people with nasal polyps (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology). Ibuprofen may not be suitable if you have asthma or allergies such as hay fever (NHS). If you need a painkiller, for example for period pain, ask a pharmacist which one is suitable for you.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor. Talk to a doctor or ear, nose and throat specialist about your own treatment, and ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have asthma.

References

• Nasal polyps — NHS
• Nasal polyps — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
• Stuffy or runny nose (adult) — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
• Nasal polyps — American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)
• Nasal polyps — MSD Manual Consumer Version
• Nasal polyps — Cleveland Clinic
• Sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps — ENT UK
• About mometasone nasal spray — NHS
• How and when to use mometasone nasal spray — NHS
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while using mometasone nasal spray — NHS
• Ibuprofen for adults — NHS
• Aspirin: who can and cannot take it — NHS
• Symptoms of nasal and sinus cancer — NHS
• Irfan M, Shamim AK. Routine histological examination for nasal polyp specimens: is it necessary? Med J Malaysia. 2009;64(1):59-60.
• Tikaram A, Prepageran N. Asian nasal polyps: a separate entity? Med J Malaysia. 2013;68(6):445-7.
• Kumarasamy G, et al. Tualang honey versus steroid impregnated nasal dressing following endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized controlled trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2021;18(2):433-438.
• Abdullah B, et al. A Delphi consensus on clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in the ASEAN region. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2025.