A bump found on the inside of the nose is called a nasal polyp and can range in size from tiny to several centimeters in diameter. Nasal polyps are common in adults who are suffering from asthma, allergies and recurrent sinus infections. The bump usually develops near the ethmoid sinuses which are located near the top of the nose and grows into the nasal passages.
Nasal polyps are soft, painless and noncancerous growths found on the covering of the nasal passages or sinuses that appears similar to teardrops or grapes and caused by lingering inflammation due to asthma, recurring infections, drug sensitivity, allergies and some immune disorders. A nasal polyp can develop to any individual, but adults are more susceptible to these infections. Polyps that are small may not cause symptoms, but large polyps or groups of nasal polyps can cause blockage of the nasal passages and trigger issues in breathing, loss of sense of smell as well as recurrent infections.
Cause of nasal polyps
Nasal polyps typically form when the mucous membrane found inside the nose experiences persistent inflammation that lasts for 12 weeks or more and this inflammation will lead to the development of nasal polyps. If you want to properly manage the conditions that predisposes the development of polyps, click here.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps
- Persistent stuffiness, runny nose and postnasal drip
- Reduced sense of smell and loss of sense of taste
- Headaches and facial pain
- Sense of pressure can be felt over the forehead and face
- Pain in the upper teeth
- Itchiness can be felt around the eyes
- Snoring
Complications that nasal polyps can cause due to the blockage of the normal flow and drainage of the fluid include the following:
- Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where there is a frequent stopping and starting of breathing during sleeping.
- Flare-ups of asthma where chronic rhinosinutisitis can start the attacks of asthma.
- Nasal polyps can make an individual susceptible to infections that sometimes recur and become chronic.
- Nasal polyps can cause infection involving the eye socket where it can cause swelling or bulging of the eye, inability in moving the eye, problems with vision or even blindness that can become permanent.
- Nasal polyps can cause infection that spreads to the membranes and fluids that surround the brain and spinal cord which is called as meningitis.
Treatment and home remedies
- Use a nasal rinse which is a saline or salt water solution that helps in removing allergens and irritants that causes nasal polyps. Mix a teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water and stir until the salt is dissolved. The spray can be applied using a bulb syringe or an empty nasal spray bottle, then spray the solution up the nose and breathe in lightly and allow the saltwater to spread to the nasal cavity.
- Consume citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemon since these can help in reducing the nasal polyps while vitamin C helps boost the immune system.