Recognize the Characteristics of Nasal Polyps

A common feature of nasal polyps is nasal congestion or runny nose. In addition to nasal congestion, disturbances in the sense of smell or smell, pain, and head feels heavy are the characteristics of nasal polyps to watch out for. Nasal polyps are soft lumps that grow in nasal mucosal tissue. Nasal polyps usually grow hanging in a grape-like shape. Its presence can inhibit the air inhaled, resulting in difficulty breathing. Nasal polyps are most common in adults aged 40 years and over. In addition, nasal polyps are more common in men than women.

Causes of Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are generally triggered by infections of nasal mucosal tissue. Mucosa is a thin, wet layer that helps protect the nose and moisturizes the air that is inhaled. If there is an infection or allergy, the nasal mucosa will swell and become red due to inflammation. Nasal polyps are formed due to prolonged irritation and inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Apart from infections and allergies, the growth of nasal polyps is also related to certain conditions, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic sinusitis, abnormalities in nasal arteries, and allergies to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Heredity is also one of the possible causes of nasal polyps. In some people, mucosal tissue in the nose is more sensitive if it is inflamed, so polyps appear more easily.

Characteristics of Nasal Polyps

In the early stages, nasal polyps may show no symptoms at all. Therefore, the presence of polyps that are still small in size is often not realized. Symptoms can appear depending on the size of the polyp. When the size of the polyp is getting larger, you may experience symptoms or characteristics of nasal polyps as follows:

• Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion is the most common symptom of nasal polyps. Growing polyps will block the airways, causing respiratory distress. Nasal congestion, which occurs due to nasal polyps, can last for more than 12 weeks.

• Runny nose and excessive mucus production

Under normal conditions, the nose can produce about one liter of mucus every day. Mucus (mucus) functions to moisturize the respiratory tract, and play a role to hold foreign objects, as well as bacteria, and viruses before causing infection. Normally the existence of this mucus is not felt because it will mix with saliva and swallow. The presence of polyps in the nose makes mucus production increased and become thicker. This makes the nose runny, and if mucus is swallowed with saliva, thick mucus will feel dripping in the throat (postnasal drip).

• Sneezing

Inflammation in the lining of the nose triggers sneezing, which is also a common feature of nasal polyps. '

• The ability of the sense of smell decreases

The reduced ability of the sense of smell in people with nasal polyps is caused by polyps blocking the nasal cavity so that the sensory nerves in the nose have difficulty receiving stimulation from inhaled air. About 75 percent of people with nasal polyps feel olfactory disorders.

• Sharpness is reduced

The sense of taste is related to the sense of smell. If the sharpness of smell decreases, so does the sense of taste.

• Snore

Nasal polyps that grow will disrupt the flow of air in the airways. This causes the soft palate in the mouth (soft palate) and pharynx (uvula) to vibrate and cause snoring. The narrower the airway, the more loud the snoring is produced. This condition can eventually cause a sleep disorder called sleep apnea (sleep apnea).

• Headache or face

Other features of the appearance of nasal polyps are the pressure or pain that will be felt if the polyp causes a blockage in the sinus cavity, resulting in infection or inflammation of the sinuses.

Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and mucus that descends into the esophagus are the most common features of nasal polyps. Symptoms of nasal polyps are similar to flu symptoms. The difference is, the flu can recover in a few days. To treat this condition, you need to see a doctor. After the examination, the doctor will prescribe medications, such as nasal or oral corticosteroid drops, hypo-allergenic drugs, and antibiotics if needed. A surgical procedure for removing polyps may be an option if nasal polyp treatment does not produce the expected results. Nasal polyps that are classified as benign tumors are generally harmless. However, if after 10 weeks there has been no improvement in the symptoms and characteristics of nasal polyps that appear, you need to consult an ENT specialist.