Nasal polyps are painless, soft, benign growths on the lining of the nose or the nasal passages. Many things can cause nasal polyps, like allergies, medicinal sensitivity, infections or immune disorders, and chronic inflammation. People of any age can get this condition, but research shows that men are more prone to developing this condition than women. Researchers say that swelling or inflammation in the nose or sinuses leads to the condition.
Nasal polyps are common in people with cystic fever, chronic sinus infections, asthma, hay fever, and vitamin D deficiency. Here are a few other common causes of nasal polyps:
- Asthma
Asthma is a pulmonary condition that causes swelling in the air passages and may end up choking it. Nasal polyps choke the nasal passage, leading patients to face breathing trouble. - Aspirin sensitivity
If one is sensitive to Aspirin, the nasal wall might swell up after they take this medicine. This, in turn, affects the breathing passage, leading to the formation of nasal polyps. - Allergic fungal sinusitis
This airborne disease can cause fungal infection in the nasal area. The fungi found in the environment lead to an allergic reaction that creates a lot of fungal debris and mucus, leading to an infected sinus, which may be a cause of the formation of nasal polyps. - Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition, leads to the accumulation of thick sticky fluid deposits in the inner lining of the nasal passage. This condition can cause nasal polyps and leads to breathing issues. - Deficiency of vitamin D
This when the body does not have enough vitamin D that is commonly known to be essential for bone health. However, the deficiency of this vitamin can also lead to the development of nasal polyps. - Allergic angiitis and granulomatosis
Inflammation of the blood vessel can also result in the development of this condition. People with nasal polyps usually suffer from allergies, which result in various issues like weight loss, nasal passage inflammation, numbness, and weakness. In such conditions, the blood cannot flow to the different organs and tissues of the body. This rare and incurable disease can cause permanent damage to the tissues and organs.
Nasal polyps do not go away on their own, but several types of medication are available to treat the condition effectively. Although they are benign, they should not be left untreated as they can grow in size and cause serious complications like sleep apnea, sinus infections, and double vision. Small polyps do not pose any major threat, but growth in size means they obstruct the nasal passages and worsen any existing breathing issues one may be experiencing. Other treatment options like polypectomy, which is a form of surgery, can also be used to treat it, but knowing the cause of nasal polyps can help treat it effectively.
