| Nasal Polyps |
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 When it becomes hard to breathe, your nose drips constantly, thick discolored nasal drainage and your sense of smell just isn't what it used to be, you might have nasal polyps!!!!
In general, polyps are usually nonmalignant growths or tumors extruding from the membrane lining of an organ in various parts of the body such as the nose, often causing obstruction and congestion. When nasal polyps develop, nasal airways may become blocked creating breathing difficulties. Polyps can also block drainage, creating stagnant secretions that stay in the sinus cavities. These stagnant secretions lead to an infection and cause sinusitis.
The 'paranasal sinuses' are the air cavities within the skull that open into the nose. If the soft tissue lining of the sinuses becomes swollen, it fills with mucus and then expands into the nose forming a growth called a nasal polyp. Nasal Polyps can also be caused by various diseases in the nasal cavities.
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| What causes sinusitis? |
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| If you examine the nasal cavity with a light and a mirror you will see pearly grey lumps lying on the floor of the nose. Nasal Polyps at the back of the nose can only be seen with special medical instruments. |
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| What are the symptoms of nasal polyps? |
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| Most people suffering from sinusitis with nasal polyps often feel very uncomfortable and usually suspect they might have flu. |
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| Fungi, Bacteria and viruses can be a cause of sinusitis. |
- Nasal obstruction
- A runny nose
- Chronic sinus infection
- Dull headaches
- Snoring
- Persistent stuffiness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Re-occurring sinus infections
- Abundant nasal drainage
- Thick, discolored nasal drainage
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Occasional pain in the face
- Loss or diminishment of your sense of smell
- Mouth breathing
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| The following conditions make some people more susceptible to Nasal Polyps than others: |
- Asthma
- Hayfever
- Sinus infections
- Sinusitis
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| What are the causes of nasal polyps? |
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| The exact cause of nasal polyps are not known, but several factors are thought to be the prime suspects: |
- A continuous inflammatory process within the nose and sinuses - This is thought to be the main source of nasal polyps. This inflammation could be related to allergies; allergens in the atmosphere (pollution, dust etc.) or can be caused by a sinus infection.
- Overproduction of fluid in the cells membrane causes polyps to become swollen and engorged with fluid - This is referred to as edema. These bags of fluid can enlarge and pop out through the sinus openings into the nasal cavity. These bulging tissues are referred to as nasal polyps.
- Engorged nasal membranes - Irritants such as alcohol and tobacco may expose membranes to infection.
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| Who is at the risk of getting nasal polyps? |
- Age- Polyps are more common in adults older than 40 years, and children with conditions such as asthma, chronic sinus infections (chronic sinusitis), hay fever (chronic rhinitis) and cystic fibrosis (an inherited disorder that causes respiratory disease).
- Gender - Women are more likely to have nasal polyps than men.
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