Nasal polyps are benign, painless growths that develop in the nasal passages or the sinuses. These soft, fleshy grape-like structures vary in size. While nasal polyps can occur in anyone, they are more commonly found in adults, particularly those with a history of allergies, asthma, or recurring nasal infections.
The typical symptoms that can signal that nasal polyps are present in the nasal cavity include a runny and often blocked nose. Sometimes, an individual’s sense of taste and smell can also be compromised by their presence. Snoring can also be a symptom associated with nasal polyp growths.
Unfortunately, nasal polyps very rarely resolve without treatment. The treatment options available include steroid nasal sprays, which aim to shrink the polyps.
Surgical removal is also available, but in both cases, polyps can recur over time. What causes these growths to appear in the first instance?
A leading cause of nasal polyps is allergic rhinitis. This condition, also sometimes referred to as hay fever, occurs when the immune system reacts to allergens such as pollen, which is present in the atmosphere during the spring and summer months.
Dust mites and pet hair can also trigger this condition, especially if a sufferer is in regular contact with these allergens.
When exposed to these substances, the lining of the nasal passages can become irritated, leading to chronic inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can lead to the development of nasal polyps.
Individuals with a history of allergies should take extra precautions and seek appropriate treatment to manage their allergy symptoms effectively, as this action can help to protect against nasal polyp development.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with asthma are also at a higher risk of developing nasal polyps. Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Individuals with this medical condition are also prone to suffering from allergies to plant pollen, dust mites, pet hair, and other environmental pollutants.
The inflammation associated with asthma can also affect the nasal passages, causing the formation of polyps. Proper management of asthma through medication and regular check-ups can help reduce the risk of nasal polyps, which in turn can alleviate further restrictions to the airways.
All individuals are susceptible to sinus infections as these can often accompany viral illnesses such as the common cold or the flu. Such viral infections affect everyone numerous times during their lifetime. For most individuals, cold and flu infections last a couple of weeks at the most before they are resolved by the immune system.
However, for some, when the sinuses become infected, nasal congestion and inflammation can continue even if the primary cause, such as a viral infection, has been dealt with. This chronic inflammation can eventually lead to the growth of polyps.
People with recurring sinus infections should consult with a healthcare professional to address the underlying cause. By doing so, this can help to prevent the formation of nasal polyps.
Certain health problems run in families, and these patterns are mainly down to genetics. Whether it is diabetes or heart disease, if there is a family history of such conditions present, then other members of the same family are also at higher risk than normal of developing such health problems.
However, genetic factors can also place individuals at an increased risk of developing less serious health conditions such as nasal polyps. Even though the exact cause of nasal polyps remains elusive, this condition can run in families. If there are family members with polyps, then this predisposition can be passed on to other generations of the same family.