A nasal polyp has been defined as a benign growth in the nose that attaches itself to the lining of the nasal passages. Even though they are soft and painless, they can cause havoc with your sinuses. Pain can be felt in the face and teeth, as well as causing severe headaches. Asthma, nasal infections, allergies, even being sensitive to certain drugs, have been known to cause the development of nasal polyps.
Antibiotics, such as penicillin as well as corticosteroids, may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and ease the following symptoms:
1. Runny nose
Any foreign body in the nose can cause a constant discharge of mucus. Flushing your sinuses with a saline solution will help here, along with saline sprays. Be sure to keep hydrated.
2. Post nasal drip
This happens when mucus builds up in the back of the nose. The nose does have some intelligence. It senses the foreign body or the inflammation and builds up mucus as a cleansing agent. Decongestants can help post nasal drip with products such as over the counter phenylephrine.
3. Smell and taste
There is nothing like eating a nice steak dinner, and you can’t smell or taste it. When your nose is blocked by larger polyps or mucus, it affects your taste. To see that this is true, try holding your nose while eating.
4. Tooth pain
The upper teeth may feel pain. With those who have nasal polyps, this is a common complaint.
5. Sneezing
Sneezing is a reflex action that automatically tries to clear the airways. Allergies aren’t the only thing that can trigger sneezing. Nasal polyps that bring about mucus can also trigger the event.
6. Breathing through the mouth
When the nasal passages become blocked or partially blocked by nasal polyps, breathing through the mouth may be required to obtain the amount of oxygen your body needs.
7. Chronic rhinosinusitis
When your nasal passages and your sinuses get inflamed, you have rhinosinusitis. If the problem exists for more than 12 weeks, you have chronic rhinosinusitis. It is a certainty that bacteria are growing inside your sinuses. The condition can exist with nasal polyps, making you even more miserable.
8. Persistent stuffiness
Nasal polyps frequently form in clusters and can be on both sides of the nose. This will cause the person to complain day and night of being stuffed up.
9. Snoring
Anything that requires you to strain to breathe can lead to snoring when you are asleep. When the nasal passages become partially blocked due to nasal polyps, breathing becomes more difficult, with changes in airflow through the nose.
10. Frequent nosebleeds
Nasal polyps that bleed persistently may require surgery. In comparison to the common cold, nasal polyps don’t go away without treatment. Usually, sprays or medicine will take care of the problem. But severe cases might require something stronger, even surgery
These symptoms should be checked if you suspect you have nasal polyps. Consult a physician, especially if saline rinses and over the counter medication don’t seem to work. It could be more than a common cold, or sinus problem.