Sinus and nasal issues are things most people are familiar with. | Renate Köppel
Sinus and nasal issues are things most people are familiar with. | Renate Köppel
Scientific data suggests that nasal polyps are caused by inflammation of the sinuses, and specialists agree it's important for patients to understand the symptoms and when to see a doctor.
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.
"Early intervention is key because you can avoid the recurrent antibiotics that's developing the bacterial resistance," Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breath Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Maryland State Wire. "So when you really need an antibiotic, for a serious infection, it might not work anymore. So that's one aspect of getting on these earlier.
"But in addition, the more infections you have, if you're developing polyps, you can lose your sense of smell, which can be permanent. People who lose their sense of smell lose their sense of taste. In addition, being down from work with sinus infections, or sinus headaches, those types of things...all those ramifications. If you addressed them earlier, you'd have people that are thriving and living, not suffering."
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.
To evaluate the severity of your sinus symptoms, please take our online sinus symptom quiz.
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