Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growth that are usually painless. They are located within the nasal passages and sinuses, the hollow spaces in the bone structures around the nose.
These growths originate from the mucous membranes, which are delicate soft tissues lining these regions. Sometimes, nasal polyps can become inflamed and enlarged, partially obstructing the nasal passages and sinuses.
To treat symptoms and guarantee ideal sinus health, residents of Los Angeles can visit any nasal polyps Los Angeles clinic.
Nasal polyps have the potential to affect people of all age groups, yet they tend to be more prevalent among young and middle-aged adults. While medications frequently can diminish the size of nasal polyps or eradicate them, surgical procedures could be required to extract them. Even with treatment, nasal polyps commonly tend to reappear.
What causes nasal polyps?
Polyps emerge due to alterations in the mucous membranes that coat the nasal passages or sinuses. These membranes endure prolonged or recurrent episodes of inflammation characterized by swelling, redness, and the accumulation of fluids.
Researchers theorize that allergies and infections trigger this inflammation. This inference is drawn from their analysis of tissue specimens obtained from nasal polyps, which revealed an abundance of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell associated with allergic reactions and infections.
The available evidence indicates that inflammation prompts the formation of small fluid-filled growths, which subsequently evolve into polyps.
Symptoms
Nasal polyps are associated with prolonged irritation and swelling, or inflammation, within the nasal passages and sinuses, persisting for over 12 weeks. This condition is recognized as chronic sinusitis. However, it is important to note that chronic sinusitis can exist without developing nasal polyps.
Individuals with minor nasal polyps might remain unaware of their presence. Yet, the obstruction of the nasal passage can occur with multiple polyps or a single large polyp.
Typical symptoms indicative of chronic sinusitis accompanied by nasal polyps encompass:
- A pressure sense over the face and forehead.
- Facial pain or headache.
- Mucus running down the throat.
- Not being able to smell.
- Not being able to taste.
- Pain in the teeth.
- Runny, stuffy nose.
- Snoring.
When should you see a doctor?
Seek medical care immediately if you have:
- A bad headache, getting worse.
- Pain/swelling around the eyes.
- Seeing double/other vision changes.
- Stiff neck.
- Swollen forehead.
- Symptoms that get worse very quickly.
Should your symptoms endure beyond ten days, seeking guidance from a healthcare provider is recommended. The symptoms linked to chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps can mimic those of various other ailments, such as the common cold.
