What are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses (small air-filled cavities located throughout the facial bones.) When the mucus membranes in the nose or sinuses become inflamed and enlarge over an extended length of time, a polyp forms. When polyps become large enough, they can obstruct nasal airways and sinuses, resulting in sinus infections and breathing difficulties.
Who Gets Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps can develop in anyone who has a disease that causes inflammation in the nose. The following are a few of these conditions:
- Sinus infections that last a long time
- Sinusitis caused by an allergic fungus (an allergy to airborne fungi)
- Other infections, whether acute (short-term) or chronic
- Asthma
- An aspirin or other pain reliever allergy
- Cystic fibrosis is a disease that affects the lungs.
- Allergic rhinitis is a kind of allergic rhinitis (a condition that causes stuffy or runny nose and sneezing)