Nasal polyps can be a huge source of irritation for the young generation as well as the older one since it affects individuals regardless of age. The condition can recur even when treated via medication or surgery, making it particularly cumbersome. Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths in the nostrils. The best way to detect them is with the help of a CT scan. While mostly non-fatal, the condition can lead to difficulties in breathing and make normal life much more difficult than it needs to be. This is why, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps, as well as following preventive measures, in order to improve their quality of life.

Symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are a soft and painless overgrowth of tissues in the nasal passage. They are caused by the effects of asthma, chronic sinus infections, bacterial nasal infections, or acute allergies from drugs or other substances. The common symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps can be a blockage in nasal passage and trouble in breathing properly. It weakens your sense of smell and leads to infections in the nasal passage becoming more frequent.

Nasal polyps can be mistaken with sinusitis, but it is not the same. It is possible for a person to sinusitis without having nasal polyps. The symptoms and warning signs of polyps can only be noted when there is swelling, inflammation or unexplained blockages in the nasal passage for more than 1 or 2 weeks. It is not possible to feel them when they are very small in size, but as they grow, one can observe the following symptoms.

• Experiencing a non-stop runny nose with constant mucous production
• Stuffiness in the internal nasal passage
• Postnasal drip, which is the sensation of a liquid dropping in your throat
• Sense of smell gets weakened
• The sense of taste decreases due to the decreasing sense of smell
• If you develop sinusitis due to nasal polyps, it will result in facial pain or headache
• Pain in the upper front teeth
• Constant pressure on the nerves of your face and forehead
• Sudden case of snoring and frequent nosebleeds can occur

Risk factors of nasal polyps
Conditions that may lead to an increased risk of developing nasal polyps are as follows:

• Asthma
• Aspirin sensitivity
• Development of fungal allergies
• Cystic fibrosis, wherein thick mucus is produced in the lungs, causing blockages in nasal passages and sinuses
• Churg-Strauss syndrome (eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis). This is a rare condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels.

Preventions tips for nasal polyps
You may reduce the chances of having symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps by following the given treatment methods.

• Talk to your physician and effectively manage nasal allergies and asthma through medication
• Avoid inhaling nasal irritants like tobacco smoke or chemical fumes
• Practice good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly after returning from outside
• Use a home humidifier
• Rinse your nasal passages with a medical nasal rinsing solution.

Nasal polyps can result in the development of severe breathing problems and respiratory conditions. It is thus essential to go to the doctor for a proper diagnosis as soon as the symptoms and early warning signs of nasal polyps are observed.