Is It Possible That Nasal Polyps Are Causing Your Stuffy Nose?

Feb 02, 2024 By Madison Evans

Soft, painless, and noncancerous growths just on the lining of your nasal passageways or sinuses are what we call nasal polyps. They droop like grapes or teardrops. Asthma, recurrent infection, allergies, medication sensitivity, and immunological diseases are all linked to this persistent inflammation. Nasal polyps that are too small to see may not produce any noticeable symptoms. When they grow too large or cluster together, nasal polyps can cause airway obstruction, loss of smell, and recurrent sinus infections. Polyps in the nose are not limited to adults but can occur in anybody. Nasal polyps may usually be treated medically, although, in some instances, surgery may be necessary. Nasal polyps can be difficult to cure and might come back even after they have been removed.

Where Do Polyps in The Nose Form, And What Are They?

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that can develop in your sinuses and nasal cavities (the air spaces behind your cheeks and nose).

  • They tend to group.
  • Polyps of the nose can form on one or both sides of the nose.
  • They can be as small as a micron or as large as several centimeters and have a distinctive pear form.

Symptoms

When discomfort or swelling (inflammation) of the lining of your nasal passages & sinuses persists for more than 12 weeks, you may be dealing with nasal polyps (chronic sinusitis).

Yet, chronic sinusitis can exist independently of nasal polyps.

Due to the lack of hardness and sensitivity in the nasal polyps, you may not even realize you have them if they are tiny. A polyp or many polyps may block your sinuses and nasal passageways. Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps often manifest with the following symptoms:

  • Nasal discharge
  • Continued stuffiness.
  • Postnasal drainage
  • Loss of or difficulty detecting odors
  • Lack of gustatory perception
  • Discomfort in the face or head
  • Jaw and teeth pain
  • The feeling of weight pressing down on one's face and forehead
  • Snoring
  • Occasional or constant nose bleeding

Risk Factors and Causes Of Nasal Polyps

The exact reason why some people get nasal polyps and others don't is unknown. Experts are still determining what causes it, but they think it may have something to do with your immune system or the chemicals that make up the lining of your sinuses and nose. Nonetheless, further study is required.

Nasal polyps can develop in anybody, although they are twice as frequent in males as in women and tend to appear in individuals over 40. They're uncommon among kids under the age of 10. Should this occur, a medical professional will look for symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Allergic rhinitis, asthma, an allergy to aspirin, a sinus infection, an acute or chronic infection, a foreign object caught in the nose, or cystic fibrosis have all been associated with the development of nasal polyps. Nonetheless, the root of the problem often needs to be clarified. These can occur before the onset of more serious respiratory conditions like asthma or sinusitis.

Nasal polyps may be more common in persons who experience allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, or itching. Yet, there is still debate over how allergies and asthma are linked. Sinus infections, according to some studies, may be to blame.

Can Polyps in The Nose Be Dangerous?

Nasal polyps are not fatal. They can be very bothersome and may prevent your sinuses from draining and breathing correctly. Sinus mucus is designed to flush out allergens and other irritants in the nasal cavity. If nasal polyps grow too large, they can obstruct the natural flow of mucus, leading to a buildup of mucus that can get infected, further aggravating the patient's sinus problems.

Do Nasal Polyps Cause Pain or Bleeding?

If the nasal polyps are benign, as Dr. Kim claims, there shouldn't be any pain or bleeding. Nevertheless, various benign and dangerous tumors, including an inverted papilloma or sinus carcinoma, may develop in the sinuses and nasal passages & disguise themselves as polyps. Don't disregard nasal discomfort and bleeding, mainly if it's affecting only one side of your nose. If the growth is suspicious, your ENT may want to take a sample for testing.

In What Ways Might Nasal Polyps Be Treated?

Depending on their quantity and severity, your physician may recommend medication, surgery, or both in treating nasal polyps.

  • Nasal and oral corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce or eliminate nasal polyps.
  • Nasal polyps can sometimes be removed surgically. No facial incision is required for endoscopic procedures because they are usually performed via the nose.
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