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Polyps

What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous, soft, enlarged, sac-like formations of irritated tissue. They cover the inner walls of your nose or your sinuses.

The sinuses are a collection of hollow spaces within the facial bones. They link to the nasal passage. This is the expansive, air-filled area located behind your nose. Typically, these areas are quite open, but large nasal polyps can obstruct them, leading to difficulty in breathing.

Nasal polyps fall under the category of chronic rhinosinusitis. This is a situation where the nasal passages and sinuses are inflamed for a duration of more than 4 to 12 weeks. However, not everyone with this condition will develop nasal polyps.

Different kinds of growths can also appear in the nasal cavity. Some of these may be malignant. However, actual nasal polyps are not malignant.

Nasal polyps are quite common, affecting anyone.

What causes nasal polyps?

Scientists are continuing to explore the reasons behind nasal polyps. A certain level of tissue inflammation seems to be involved. Individuals with these health issues are more likely to develop nasal polyps.

  • Asthma
  • Aspirin sensitivity
  • Chronic sinus infections
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Some genes might also contribute to the formation of nasal polyps. This is particularly the case with genes involved in the immune system and the inflammatory reaction. If other relatives in your family have experienced nasal polyps, you might be at a higher risk of developing them too.

What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

If you’re dealing with nasal polyps, it’s possible that you’ll experience cold-like symptoms for an extended period, even several months. Certain of these symptoms could be attributed to the nasal polyps themselves, while others might stem from the ongoing chronic rhinosinusitis that led to the development of the polyps.

The most common symptoms of nasal polyps include:

  • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
  • Runny nose
  • Facial sinus fullness (but usually not pain)
  • Postnasal drip
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Feeling blocked in your nose and having to breathe through your mouth

If you don’t have an infection, you shouldn’t experience signs like a fever or discharge that’s yellowish or greenish in colour from your nose. Problems related to nasal polyps can lead to extra symptoms.

The signs of nasal polyps might appear similar to other health issues or issues. Make sure to consult your doctor for further details.

NOSE CONDITIONS

Make you more likely to have long-term (chronic) sinusitis

Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths

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