Nasal polyps are a noncancerous growth along one’s sinuses or nasal passages. They look like teardrops and occur due to allergies and immune disorders. Since it can happen to anyone, one’s best defense against it is to be thoroughly aware of the condition. This article discusses the symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps to get a suitable treatment on time.

Symptoms

1. Runny nose
Nasal polyps are often aggravated due to allergies and asthma, leading to chronic cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose. It mainly happens due to inflammation in the lining of the nasal passages. Some patients also complain of sneezing and other discomforts when they are suffering from the condition.

2. Blocked or stuffy nose
When clusters of large polyps grow in a person’s nasal passage, they experience a persistent nose blockage, making it hard to breathe. In some cases, one may also lose their sense of smell and become susceptible to recurrent infections. Even though nasal polyps can happen to anyone, they are most common in adults.

3. Postnasal drip
When a person always feels like the mucus is running down the back of their throat, it is time to get tested. If symptoms persist with loss of smell, it is a sign of nasal polyps and must not be ignored.

Warning signs

1. Obstructive sleep apnea
Nasal polyps can cause abnormalities in the nose and pharynx, worsening sleep apnea. It is a dangerous condition as patients may stop breathing in their sleep. It can also block airflow and lead to fluid drainage due to long-term inflammation.

2. Double vision
It usually occurs in patients who have fungal sinusitis or cystic fibrosis. Sometimes, a large cluster of polyps can block the airflow and drain the fluid from the nasal cavity. It can cause potential complications, such as alteration in the facial structure, leading to double vision. So, if a person notices blurry vision and experiences few or all of the symptoms discussed above, they must consider it a red flag and get tested immediately.

3. Severe headaches
Frequent sinus infection and persistent inflammation can often be accompanied by severe headaches, especially when one tips their head forward.

If allergy or cold-like symptoms continue to drag on without any relief, nasal polyps may be the reason behind it. Why suffer from your sickness when one has the option of getting treated? If a person notices any one or more of these symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps, it is best to head straight to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.