Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and diagnosis
The term “nasal polyps” might sound scary, but the condition itself isn’t so. Polyps are benign growths on the inner linings of the nasal cavity. Although benign and painless, polyps can be problematic if they grow into a bigger size. The size of the polyps matters because the bigger it is, the greater its ability to pose as a blockage in the nasal passage or sinuses.
Polyps are usually present in both the nostrils, but that isn’t always the case. When they have grown to a considerable size, they make breathing difficult. They also restrict the sense of smell and make the nose feel clogged up. To understand this better, we have outlined the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis for nasal polyps.
Causative factors
Neither the formation nor the exact reason behind the occurrence of nasal polyps is clearly known. However, the growth of this benign condition can sometimes be attributed to the prolonged inflammation of the mucosal tissues. Mucosal tissues are responsible for maintaining the right amount of moisture in the nasal cavity. According to experts, it is due to the accumulation of fluid between these mucosal cells that the polyps are formed. They believe that it is the weight of these fluid-filled cells and gravity that result in a hanging growth that we have come to know as the nasal polyp.
A substantial number of people who are affected with nasal polyps seem to have it due to existing allergic and asthmatic conditions. There are times when there is nothing that triggers asthma or polyp development, but that certainly does not discredit allergic reactions. There are certain health conditions that can put one at a greater risk for polyp development. One such condition is recurring or chronic hay fever. Similar infections or allergic reactions, too, can lead to nasal polyps. Various bacterial and viral infections, or the body’s response to fungal invasion, can prove to be triggers in this case.
Symptoms
As we know by now, nasal polyps result from prolonged inflammation of the mucosal lining of the nasal cavity. It can occur in the form of a single polyp, a smaller, scattered cluster, or a bigger one. The symptoms are usually dependent on the location, size, and number of polyps. The patient can even be asymptomatic. However, here are some common symptoms of nasal polyps that we need to be aware of:
- Blocked nose and stuffiness
- Runny nose
- Lack of or diminished ability to smell
- Frequent sinusitis
- Facial ache
- Reduced tasting ability
- Sleep apnea
- Nosebleeds
- Frequent sneezing
- Weakened vision
- Snoring
Diagnosis
An otolaryngologist might be the best professional to help out with the condition. There are a few steps involved in the diagnosis, once the doctor has gone through the patient’s symptoms. It is important to remember that the patient’s history will play a crucial role in the diagnosis of the condition. Their medical history helps the doctor learn of essential information, such as past conditions that allude to the possibility of nasal polyps.
The next step calls for the use of an instrument known as a nasoscope to examine the insides of the nose. A nasal endoscopy may be employed too. The determination of the right diagnostic procedure will again be dependent on the location of the polyps. In certain cases, the diagnosis also involves CT scans. These scans are put to use when the doctor needs to have a better understanding of the location, size, and nature of the problem.
Now that we have made ourselves aware of the possible causes and symptoms of nasal polyps, it is also crucial to understand that the condition is treatable. There are various treatment options that are available to deal with the condition. These include oral medications, nasal sprays, surgeries, and even effective natural remedies. Decisions about the appropriate treatment are best taken with a doctor’s guidance.
