Nasal Polyps – Symptoms, Causes And Complications

Nasal Polyps – Symptoms, Causes And Complications

Nasal Polyps: Nasal polyps are generally considered to be painless, soft and non-cancerous growths on the lining of your sinuses or nasal passages. Particularly, they suspend down like grapes or teardrops. These polyps can again result from chronic inflammation. Again, this is due to recurring infection, asthma, drug sensitivity or specific immune-related disorders.

Difference Between Small And Large Nasal Polyps

Small nasal polyps are not involved in causing any symptoms in some cases. On the other hand, the larger growths or groups of these polyps can contribute to blocking the passages of your nose, As a result of it, frequent infections, and a lost sense of smell, as well as breathing problems, arises. So, it is very important to consider nasal polyps symptoms.

Who Are Most Affected By These Nasal Polyps?

Usually, anyone can be affected by these nasal polyps. But, it is mostly seen in the case of adults. There is the presence of several medications in the market which can possibly eliminate or shrink these polyps. But sometimes, surgery is the only solution. Even, in some cases after successful treatment, these polyps may return.

Nasal Polyps Symptoms

Mostly, the nasal polyps are seen to be linked with the inflammation of the lining of your sinuses and also nasal passages. Again, this can last more than 12 weeks. So, it is known as chronic sinusitis or chronic rhinosinusitis. But, sometimes, it is also possible that some people can also have chronic sinusitis without the presence of nasal polyps.

Does Polyps Lack Sensation?

These polyps are mainly very soft and for this particular reason, they lack sensation. This is the reason why sometimes, people possessing small polyps are not aware of that even they have it. A large polyp or multiple growths may sometimes contribute to blocking your sinuses and also nasal passages.

Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms and also signs of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps generally include:

• Persistent stuffiness
• A runny nose
• Loss of sense of taste
• Postnasal drip
• Snoring
• A sense of pressure over your forehead and face
• Pain in your upper teeth
• Absence or decreased sense of smell
• Sneezing
• Infections
• Itching around the eyes
• Stuffy or blocked nose

When To Consult A Doctor?

One particularly can consult a doctor in case the symptoms last for more than ten days. It should be kept in mind that both the symptoms of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis are more or less similar to many other conditions such as a common cold. A person should immediately seek medical care in case he or she experiences the following symptoms such as:

• Sudden worsening of your symptoms
• A serious difficulty in the breathing
• Severe swelling present in the region of your eyes
• Reduced vision, double vision or limitation of your ability to move your eyes
• Severe headache which is accompanied by an inability to move your head forward or high fever.

Nasal Polyps Causes

Scientists usually fail to understand the exact causes of nasal polyps. The reason is unclear why generally some of the people develop several chronic inflammations. Apart from that, it is also not totally clear why some of the ongoing inflammation contributes to the formation of polyp only in some persons but not others. This particular inflammation is usually seen in the fluid producing lining or the mucous membrane of your sinuses as well as your nose.

Different Immune System Response Contributes To Its Formation

It is also evident that the people who generally develop polyps possess an unusual immune system response and also different chemical markers present in their mucous membrane. On the other hand, it is possibly not seen in the case of people who do not develop any kind of polyps.

Nasal polyps are considered to be most common in the case of middle-aged and also young adults but again, it can occur at any age. The formation of these polyps is mainly seen in your nasal passages or sinuses.

Risk Factors Of The Nasal Polyps

There are some specific conditions which are mainly involved in triggering chronic inflammation in your nasal passages or sinuses. This again contributes to the increase in the risk of developing these nasal polyps. Particular conditions which are mainly linked with nasal polyps comprise:

Churg-Strauss Syndrome

This is considered to be a very rare disease that causes blood vessels inflammation.

Cystic Fibrosis

It is known to be a genetic disorder that usually results in the secretion as well as the production of abnormally sticky and thick fluid. Apart from that, it also includes thick mucus which is mainly secreted from sinus and also nasal membranes.

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

It is particularly an allergy to the airborne fungi.

Aspirin Sensitivity

This may preferably cause some of the people to be much more likely to develop the nasal polyps.

Asthma

It is particularly a disease that is involved in causing over airway inflammation and also constriction.

Other Important Factor

Apart from the above-mentioned factors, there is the presence of another important factor which is involved in playing a great in this regard. This is preferably your family history. There are many of the evidence which suggests that specific variations in the gene are usually associated with the function of the immune system. This increases the possibility of the development of nasal polyps.

Nasal Polyps Complications

Sometimes, these polyps can contribute causing many of the complications. These are again caused by these polyps because these particular polyps are involved in blocking fluid drainage and normal airflow. Many of the potential complications of this disease are mainly:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This is mainly a severe condition in which at the time of sleep, you frequently start or stop breathing.

Sinus Infections

Generally, these polyps can make you much more vulnerable to the infections of the sinus that most frequently recur or become chronic.

Asthma Flare-Ups

Chronic rhinosinusitis can generally contribute to aggravate asthma.

Prevention Of Nasal Polyps

It is also possible to reduce the chances of development of the nasal polyps or its recurrence after the nasal polyps treatment. In this regard, it is very important to consider some of the essential strategies.

• Avoid nasal irritants
• Manage asthma and allergies
• Humidify your home
• Practice good hygiene
• Use a nasal lavage or nasal rinse

Conclusion

In this way, it is particularly evident from the above section you should not ignore these nasal polyps. Large polyps or a group of polyps can block your nasal passages. Thereby, it causes serious difficulty in breathing. This is the main reason, why one should not avoid these polyps. Apart from that, one should be involved in the proper diagnosis of the disease first.

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