Have you ever experienced a cold that just doesn’t seem to go? Or nasal congestion, which has been persistent for days? If the problem is persistent and doesn’t seem to go with your regular medications for allergy or cold, it could be a case of nasal polyps. It is a non-cancerous or benign growth that develops on the mucosa or the lining tissues of the nose.

Development of nasal polyps
Nasal polyps usually develop in the nasal mucosa’s inflamed tissue. The mucosa is primarily a wet lining that keeps the sinuses and the insides of the nose protected. It also humidifies the oxygen that you take in. Because of an allergy-induced infection or irritation, this nasal mucosa might get red or swollen, which would lead to fluid production, which drips out. As a result of persistent irritation, the mucosa might develop a polyp, which is round in-growth, typically like a tiny cyst. These polyps can block the nasal passages. These can either grow in clusters or on their own. At times, they’ll appear in one nostril, but the other times, it might be found in both the nostrils.

Causes of nasal polyps

• As such, scientists are unable to perfectly understand the causes of nasal polyps. There’s no exact theory as to how and why a swelling or irritation or a prolonged inflammation leads to the formation of polyps in some people, while it does not have a similar impact on other people.
• However, there is evidence to suggest that polyps are usually caused as a result of distinct immune system responses.
• Furthermore, the chemical markers present in the mucous membrane of the people are also different in normal people and those who develop polyps.
• In some people, polyps can develop even sans any history of nasal problems. However, there are some triggers or the causes of nasal polyps. These are:
  • Churg-Strauss syndrome
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Recurring or chronic sinus infections
  • Hay fever or allergic rhinitis
  • Asthma
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Reactiveness to NSAIDs, which are the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen.
  • There are a few risk factors, too, which could be responsible for the development of nasal polyps. These include:

Genes
It is believed that nasal polyps do run in the blood. So, if your parent or sibling has nasal polyps, your chances of developing nasal polyps are greater. It could be because of the manner in which your genes make the mucosa respond to the inflammation.

Age
Though nasal polyps tend to develop irrespective of the age, it is most common in young or middle-aged people.

Sex
As opposed to women, nasal polyps are more common in men. Though nasal polyps might appear either in nasal passages or the sinuses, they commonly grow in the upper sinuses near the cheekbones, eyes, or nose, and drain via the winding passage located inside the nose.