Sinus and nasal issues are things most people are familiar with. | Brittany Colette/Unsplash
Sinus and nasal issues are things most people are familiar with. | Brittany Colette/Unsplash
Nasal polyps can be caused by sinus inflammation, so it's best to know the symptoms and when to see a specialist to avoid them.
Sinus and nasal inflammation are things everyone is familiar with. A report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) revealed that chronic inflammation in these areas can lead to long-term health conditions such as nasal polyps. These polyps are thought to usually be a result of inflammation of the mucosa from a sinus allergy reaction or other inflammatory process.
"The sinuses and the nose are the beginning or the front door to your respiratory system," Dr. Daniel Mongiardo of the Dr. Daniel Mongiardo Sleep & Sinus Center told Metro Lex News. "And if you don't have good quality of air and good flow of air going into your lungs, that affects everything. If you have low oxygen or poor flow of oxygen or inflammation along the respiratory tract and you don't have good exchange of oxygen, that can cause all kinds of problems. It causes inflammation. Inflammation causes joint stiffness.
"It's one of the major causes of what we now call fibromyalgia. Inflammation also causes problems in blood vessels where they clog up and you have heart attack and stroke. So inflammation is a very, very serious problem that has multiple causes. Chronic inflammation from chronic infection from sinusitis is a big cause."
A report from the Mayo Clinic identified some common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. They include persistent stuffiness, a runny nose, decreased or absent sense of smell and loss of sense of taste, pain in the upper teeth, facial pain or headache, a feeling of pressure over the forehead and face, post-nasal drip, frequent nosebleeds and snoring.
There is no evidence that shows a reliable timeline for developing nasal polyps, the Mayo Clinic report said. You may be able to reduce the chances of developing nasal polyps by using home remedies or over-the-counter medications. But if symptoms continue beyond 10 days, it is advisable to see an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose and throat specialist). By treating the causes of nasal polyp development, it's possible they can be avoided.
When dealing with sinus problems, early intervention is key. Please take our online quiz to evaluate your symptoms.
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