What Are Nasal Polyps
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Sometimes you feel as if you have a cold that never leaves. You are clogged and congested most of the time. Nothing seems to help your debilitating misery. Many people think they have the common cold or flu. Over-the-counter medications offer no relief for the sufferer having nasal polyps.
Infections and inflammation that have become chronic (long lasting and continuous) produce most nasal polyps. They are tumorous lumps and attach by a stalk to the inside of the nose.
Polyps of the nasal passages are not cancer—they are benign growths of the mucus lining in your nose and are of a gelatin-type substance.
Because nasal polyps block the normal free flow of air in the nasal cavities, this condition provides for the ideal environment for harmful bacteria and fungus to develop, increase, and flourish, causing excruciating pain, and potential infection. These polyps are usually translucent grey on the nose lining and sinus spaces.
When you do not seek treatment, an extremely serious blood infection (septicemia) can occur and usually requires hospitalization with antibiotic therapy for a few days.
What are Nasal Polyps?—Common Symptoms
- Nasal congestion, difficult breathing feeling “stuffy,” obstruction where you feel your nose is “blocked”
- Sleep apnea
- Nose runs a watery or thick mucus discharge (rhinitis)
- Headaches, pressure, pain and face throbbing
- Pressure in and around the eyes
- Chronic (lasting more than 6 months) sinus infections (sinusitis)
- Snoring, loss of smell, diminished sense of taste, mouth breathing
- Postnasal drainage (in back of the throat)
- Feeling flat through the day
- Sounding like you always have a cold
Other conditions that exacerbate developing nasal polyps are:
1.) hay fever,
2.) asthma, and
3.) sinus inflammation (sinusitis) and infection in the sinus cavities.
Overview
So exactly what are nasal polyps? The origin and cause of nasal polyps inflammation is unknown. However, nasal polyps have been around for about 300 years. Nasal tumors (polyps) are the most common. They are considered to be from allergies within our environment and you can be tested for this. Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) or asthma are at an increased risk for nasal polyps.
If you are sensitive to aspirin, you could also be a candidate for nasal polyps. The quality of your life is impacted when you have nasal polyps more than when you have recurrent allergic runny nose conditions.
Positioning of your body when resting or sleeping on your back can cause the polyp to shift to the back of the nasal cavity. When sitting or resting erect, this position can cause the polyp to be more obstructive.
Additionally, you may feel symptoms of post nasal drip more when lying on your back. This feels like a thick fluid draining down the back of your throat that has terrible taste to it. The fluid can be yellow/green in colour and can have a not so nice smell associated with it.
Who Develops Nasal Polyps?
Women do not usually contract polyps while men seem to be more at risk. Polyps are usually seen in adults over age 40.
Once again, children with chronic sinus infections, asthma, hay fever, and the respiratory condition, cystic fibrosis, are at a higher threat.
People who’s profession causes contact with certain elements are also at risk of developing nasal polyps. These can include coming into contact with dust, smoke, certain chemicals among other factors.
Eliminating exposure to these elements can help to reduce the effects that come with nasal polyps and sinus related issues.
When you want to know, what are nasal polyps?—consult with your healthcare provider.
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