Nasal Polyps are little growths that line your nasal passages. Some signs and symptoms of nasal polyps are irritation and swelling that last longer than a few weeks. This makes nasal polyps a very uncomfortable thing to live with. Some treatments include a nasal spray to help ease these symptoms. Allergies can sometimes be a contributing factor for nasal polyps. Let’s take a look at the signs of nasal polyps more closely:
1. Allergies
Allergies and nasal polyps often go hand in hand. Allergies can cause a lot of inflammation in your nasal cavity. Allergies can be a contributing factor to the development of nasal polyps as well. Nasal polyps usually form in young or middle-aged adults that are exposed to a lot of nasal irritants. Using a humidifier can help in a situation like this. However, it’s best to have a doctor run a few tests to determine if it’s allergies or something more serious.
2. Chronic rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis is inflammation of the nose. This can be a sign of nasal polyps or lead to it. This condition often leads to issues related to nasal polyps like post nasal drip and a runny nose. This condition can also be uncomfortable in its own right without the development of nasal polyps. The cause of this issue can also be allergic or non-allergic. This is why seeing a doctor is so important if you have allergies.
3. Loss of smell or taste
Nasal polyps can often cause a loss of smelling or taste. This is because of the way that polyps clog up the nasal passage. This is also often seen as a symptom of nasal polyps. If you’re experiencing a loss of smell or taste, then it’s best to pay a doctor a visit to see if it’s nasal polyps.
4. Pain in the face
Pain in the upper part of the face is a good indication that polyps are forming. When nasal sinuses become clogged this causes a lot of pressure to build up in that area of the face. This pain can even form in the teeth and cause headaches in some people. If these symptoms are present, then it might mean the nasal polyps are more serious and require surgery.
5. Possible treatments for nasal polyps
Nasal corticosteroids in nose spray form are often used as a treatment for nasal issues like polyps or postnasal drip. They work by reducing swelling and mucus build-up. This doesn’t come without side effects. Some of the issues of using an oral or nasal corticosteroid can be a sore throat, sneezing, and possible headaches. Other treatments can include surgery to remove growths. This is looked at as a last resort. It’s best to see if drugs and prevention measures work first. Some prevention measures include avoiding a lot of nasal irritants and using a humidifier.
