Nasal Polyps – Symptoms and Causes
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that form in the nose or sinuses. These growths develop inside the nasal passages or within the hollow spaces of facial bones.
While small polyps might not cause any noticeable problems, larger ones can block airflow through the nose.
Common symptoms of significant nasal polyps include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Reduced sense of smell
- Frequent sinus infections
These growths typically affect adults in their middle years, though they can develop in anyone. Treatment usually involves medication to shrink or eliminate the polyps. In some cases, surgical removal becomes necessary when medications don’t work.
Unfortunately, nasal polyps often return after treatment, making this a recurring condition for many patients.
Signs and Symptoms
Nasal polyps develop from long-lasting inflammation in the nose and sinuses, lasting more than 12 weeks. Not everyone with chronic sinusitis develops polyps.
Small nasal polyps often cause no noticeable problems. However, multiple or large polyps can block the nasal passages and lead to various uncomfortable symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Postnasal drip (mucus flowing down your throat)
- Loss of smell
- Decreased ability to taste
- Headaches or facial pain
- Toothaches
- Pressure feeling across your face and forehead
- Increased snoring
When Medical Help is Needed
If you experience symptoms that continue for more than 10 days, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. Many symptoms of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis resemble other conditions like the common cold, making proper diagnosis important.
Get emergency medical care immediately if you develop:
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
- Double vision or other vision changes
- Swelling in your forehead
- Pain or swelling around your eyes
- Severe, worsening headache
- Stiff neck
These symptoms may indicate a serious complication that requires immediate treatment.
Causes
The exact cause of nasal polyps remains unknown to medical experts. Research has not yet determined why these tissue growths develop in some individuals but not in others.
Scientists continue to study various factors that might contribute to their formation.
Risk Factors
Several health conditions can raise your chance of getting nasal polyps:
- Asthma: People with this breathing condition often develop polyps.
- Aspirin Sensitivity: This can trigger nasal inflammation.
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects mucus production.
- Dental Infections: Can spread to nearby sinus areas.
- Low Vitamin D Levels: May contribute to polyp formation.
Long-term inflammation in your nose or sinuses increases polyp risk. Having family members with nasal polyps might also make you more likely to get them.
Complications
Nasal polyps in people with ongoing sinus problems can make breathing issues worse. For those who already have asthma, these growths often cause more frequent or severe asthma attacks.
Prevention
Taking steps to prevent nasal polyps can help you avoid this condition or reduce the chance of polyps returning after treatment. Here are several effective prevention strategies:
Manage Allergies and Asthma
Proper control of allergies and asthma is essential in preventing nasal polyps. Follow your treatment plan carefully and take medications as prescribed.
If your symptoms aren’t well-controlled, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Avoid Nasal Irritants
Stay away from things that can irritate your nasal passages, including:
- Tobacco smoke
- Chemical fumes
- Dust and pollutants
If you currently smoke, speak with your healthcare provider about quitting options.
Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Washing your hands properly and frequently helps prevent infections that can cause nasal inflammation. Use soap and warm water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.
Use a Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air in your home might help prevent nasal dryness and irritation. Follow these tips:
- Clean your humidifier regularly according to manufacturer instructions
- Use clean water in your device
- Monitor humidity levels (aim for 30-50%)
This simple step can keep nasal passages moist and less prone to irritation.
Try Nasal Irrigation
Rinsing your nasal passages with saltwater solution can remove irritants and help prevent inflammation. You can:
| Nasal Irrigation Options | Tips for Safe Use |
|---|---|
| Saltwater sprays (store-bought) | Follow package directions |
| Neti pots | Use only distilled, sterile, filtered, or previously boiled water |
| Squeeze bottle kits | Clean thoroughly after each use |
When using nasal irrigation devices, always use safe water. Tap water may contain organisms that could cause serious infections.
Water should be:
- Distilled or sterile
- Boiled for 1 minute and cooled
- Filtered using a filter with pore size of 1 micron or smaller
After each use, rinse your irrigation device with safe water and allow it to air dry completely.
