Nasal Polyps – Symptoms, Triggers, and Management
Nasal Polyps are a significantly underrated problem. Most people only experience minor symptoms, so the polyps are often left untreated until they cause more problems. This article will look at the triggers, symptoms, and management of nasal polyps in more detail. We will start by looking at nasal polyps and what causes them. Finally, we will look at the best ways to treat nasal polyps to ensure that one gets rid of them quickly and safely.
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are benign growths on the nasal septum, the cartilage that separates one’s nose from the throat. They’re usually harmless but can cause problems if they block the nasal airway or make breathing difficult.
Symptoms of nasal polyps
Following are some symptoms of nasal polyps:
Headaches
Nasal polyps may cause headaches due to their enlarged blood vessels in the skull. The pressure from these enlarged vessels may cause pain behind one’s eyes or along the temples.
Snoring
Snoring is often caused by an obstruction of airflow through the nose during sleep. This obstruction causes the throat to vibrate, producing a noise known as snoring.
Nasal congestion
When mucus accumulates in the nose due to blocked airflow, it can cause nasal congestion and an unpleasant smell called rhinorrhea (a discharge from the nose).
Nasal drainage
The enlarged polyp may block the flow of mucus and blood from the nose, leading to congestion and pressure in the head or sinuses.
Sleep apnea
Obstruction of airflow during sleep can lead to snoring, pauses in breathing, and fatigue during the day. This condition is more common among people with nasal polyps because they have an increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
Facial pain
Polyps may press on nerve endings near facial muscles, causing pain when touched or moved around.
Nosebleeds
Nasal polyps can increase the risk of nosebleeds because they can enlarge the blood vessels in the nasal passage.