Nasal polyps are harmless, painless, noncancerous growths on the membrane of your nasal passages or sinuses. They hang down like teardrops or grapes and have a soft texture. Chronic inflammation causes them, and they’re linked to asthma, recurrent illness, allergies, drug sensitivity, or immune system diseases.
Nasal polyps that are small in size may not cause any symptoms. Large growths or clusters of nasal polyps can obstruct your nasal passages and produce breathing difficulties, a loss of smell perception, and frequent infections.
Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are a type of polyp that forms in your nasal passages and sinuses, resulting in irritation and swelling (inflammation) lasting more than 12 weeks (chronic sinusitis).
Nasal polyps are not always present in those who suffer from chronic sinusitis. Nasal polyps, on the other hand, are flexible and lack feeling; if they are tiny, you may not be aware that you have them. A number of growths or a massive polyp might obstruct your nose and sinuses.
Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps include:
- A runny nose
- Persistent stuffiness
- Postnasal drip
- Decreased or absent sense of smell
- Loss of sense of taste
- Facial pain or headache
- Pain in your upper teeth
- A sense of pressure over your forehead and face
- Snoring
- Frequent nosebleeds
Causes of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are a type of benign growth that affects the nose and sinuses. They’re not harmful in most cases, but they can cause cosmetic problems if they become large or block your breathing passages. These swellings occur in the fluid-producing lining (mucous membrane) of your nose and sinuses.
There’s some evidence that people who get polyps have distinct immune system responses and chemical markers in their mucous membranes than those who don’t. Nasal polyps can develop at any age, although they are most common among young and middle-aged adults.
Nasal polyps are growths that form in your nasal passages or sinuses. They can appear anywhere along the course of your nose and sinuses, although they’re most common in regions where three separate passageways empty into your nose: around your eyes, nose, and cheekbones.
Complications of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps can lead to a slew of issues, including obstruction of normal airflow and fluid drainage, as well as long-term irritation and swelling (inflammation) that contribute to their formation.
Potential complications include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea. This is a potentially serious condition in which you stop and start breathing frequently during sleep.
- Asthma flare-ups. Chronic sinusitis can worsen asthma.
- Sinus infections. Nasal polyps can make you more susceptible to sinus infections that recur often.
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