Common Nasal Polyps Signs and Diagnosis Methods

Common Nasal Polyps Signs and Diagnosis Methods

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that form in the area where the sinuses and the nasal cavity meet. This condition can block normal drainage of mucus and other fluids and hence can cause or trigger allergies and asthma. Due to the lack of drainage, sometimes, there can be excess mucus buildup leading to infections. Nasal polyps are not harmful unless extremely severe. In most cases, they are just uncomfortable to live with. You can watch for these symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps to determine if you have them and then consult your doctor to get relief from this condition.

Continuous nasal stuffiness
Everyone experiences a blocked nose once in a while because of infections and allergies. People with this non-cancerous condition, however, have a blocked nose all the time. They will keep trying to blow their nose and find it difficult to breathe deeply because of the stuffiness. This persistent blockage can be considered one of the top symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps.

  • Postnasal drip
    Another very common symptom and a warning sign of nasal polyps is the continuous presence of postnasal drip. This is a condition where you feel your nasal mucus or secretions dripping to the back of your throat. The dripping can result in cough most often. Consumption of certain types of food, flu, and other climatic changes can trigger postnasal drip but if you experience this regularly, get yourself checked for nasal polyps.
  • Reduced sense of smell
    Due to these growths that occur in the nasal cavity, you may not be able to smell mild fragrances that other people can. If you experience an obstruction in your sense of smell, do talk to your doctor about it.
  • Sleep apnea
    Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts at random intervals when you are asleep. One of the symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps, this occurs due to the nose being blocked by the growth. Hence, there is difficulty breathing normally. Many people with this condition also start breathing through the mouth and snore excessively while sleeping.
  • Allergic flare-ups
    This is a very common symptom of nasal polyps. Due to the excess tissue growth in the nasal cavity, the chances of a sinus flare-up or an allergy flare-up are high. If you constantly keep battling different nasal allergies with symptoms such as a runny nose, constant sneezing, and watery eyes, it could be because of the tissue growth.

Nasal polyps are often diagnosed by just looking into the nasal cavity using a device called a nasoscope. Your doctor can diagnose the condition in a matter of minutes. If your doctor feels that the polyps are not visible this way, a nasal endoscopy may be suggested. These will help you stay alert about this condition. If you find yourself experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it would make sense to consult your doctor as early as possible.