is caused by chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose and sinuses. Nasal polyps are often associated with allergies and cystic fibrosis.
Nasal polyps are fleshy, non-cancerous (benign) swellings that grow inside the nose or sinuses. The most common symptoms they cause are a stuffy, runny nose. Steroid nasal drops are commonly used to shrink the polyps. Surgical removal of polyps is sometimes needed. Nasal polyps often return after treatment, so steroid nasal sprays can be used daily to prevent recurrence. The lining of the sinuses is the same as the lining of the nose, so this is why polyps can also form in the sinuses. The medical name for the inflammation of the nose and sinuses is rhinosinusitis. Often the cause is unknown but it can be due, in part, to infection. Nasal polyps can be a part of this condition. Most people with nasal polyps have runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip; about 75% have a decreased sense of smell. Many people also develop asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, sinus infections, and sensitivity to fumes, odors, dusts, and chemicals. Symptoms of nasal polyps include: 1  nasal obstruction. 2  nasal congestion. 3  sneezing. 4  postnasal drip. 5  runny nose. 6  facial pain. 7  reduced ability to smell (hyposmia). 8  loss of smell (anosmia). 9  loss of taste. Nasal polyps grow in inflamed tissue of the nasal mucosa. The mucosa is a very wet layer that helps protect the inside of your nose and sinuses and humidifies the air you breathe. During an infection or allergy-induced irritation, the nasal mucosa becomes swollen and red, and it may produce fluid that drips out. You may not even know that you have polyps because they lack nerve sensation. Polyps can grow large enough to block your nasal passages, resulting in chronic congestion. Symptoms can include: 1  a sensation that your nose is blocked. 2  runny nose. 3  postnasal drip, which is when excess mucus runs down the back of your throat. Nasal polyps (singular: nasal polyp) are fleshy swellings, or polypoidal masses that develop in the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses (air-filled spaces, communicating with the nasal cavity, within the bones of the skull and face). They are non-cancerous growths. Polyps in just one side of the nose are not common. Large polyps and/or clusters can cause breathing difficulties. They can affect the patient's sense of smell. They may block the sinuses and cause frequent infections and other problems. Symptoms. Nasal polyps are associated with inflammation of the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses that lasts more than 12 weeks (chronic rhinosinusitis, also known as chronic sinusitis). However, it's possible — and even somewhat more likely — to have chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps. Nasal polyps themselves are soft and lack sensation, so if they're small you may not be aware you have them. Multiple growths or a large polyp may block your nasal passages and sinuses. Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps include: 1  A runny nose. 2  Persistent stuffiness. Scientists don't yet fully understand what causes nasal polyps. It's not clear why some people develop chronic inflammation or why ongoing inflammation triggers polyp formation in some people and not in others. The inflammation occurs in the fluid-producing lining (mucous membrane) of your nose and sinuses. Nasal polyps can form at any age, but they're most common in young and middle-aged adults. Nasal polyps may form anywhere in your sinuses or nasal passages, but they appear most often in an area where sinuses near your eyes, nose and cheekbones all drain through winding passages into your nose (ostiomeatal complex). Individuals with nasal polyps tend to have chronic inflammation of the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses (chronic sinusitis). If there are clusters or large polyps the patient's nasal passages and sinuses may be obstructed. People with small nasal polyps may have no signs or symptoms. Polyps in just one side of the nose are not common. Large polyps and/or clusters can cause breathing difficulties. They can affect the patient's sense of smell. They may block the sinuses and cause frequent infections and other problems. Causes of Nasal polyp. A nasal polyp is caused by chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nose and sinuses. Nasal polyps are often associated with allergies and cystic fibrosis.  Nasal polyps are the result of swelling (inflammation) in the nose or sinuses-they are not a disease. Experts say that inflammation causes an accumulation of fluid in the cells of the nose and sinuses. Eventually, gravity pulls these heavy cells down, resulting in polyps. Polyps in just one side of the nose are not common. Large polyps and/or clusters can cause breathing difficulties. They can affect the patient's sense of smell. They may block the sinuses and cause frequent infections and other problems.
http://patient.info/health/nasal-polyps-leaflet http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/nasal-polyps-symptoms-and-treatments http://www.healthline.com/health/nasal-polyps http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/177020.php http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-polyps/basics/symptoms/CON-20023206 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-polyps/basics/causes/CON-20023206 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/177020.php http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/n/nasal_polyp/causes.htm http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/177020.php
what are the causes of nasal polyps