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Sinus Polyps Symptoms

Polyps are swellings of tissue; and when they occur in the nose and sinus regions, they can create persistent health problems. Sinus polyps are a common issue, but due to the wide range of symptoms that they produce, they can be overlooked during a casual checkup. Identifying the symptoms of sinus polyps is the first step towards treating them.

  1. Nasal Congestion

    • Nasal congestion is perhaps the most common symptom of sinus polyps, but due to the fact that many different issues and illness can cause it, it is seldom the symptom that directly points to polyps. Depending on the severity of the sinus polyps, the nasal congestion may be relatively mild, or it can result in a completely blocked nasal passage.

    Difficulty With Breathing

    • Because sinus polyps can block the nasal passages, someone suffering from this condition may be short of breath from time to time. This is one symptom that is often attributed to asthma, and this can lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

    Increased Nasal Drainage

    • Someone suffering from sinus polyps may have a perpetually runny nose. Depending on the placement of the polyps in the sinus cavity, they may affect the way that the body deals with moisture and mucus.

    Increased Sinus Infections

    • Sinus polyps block the nasal passages. This can lead to mucus getting trapped in the sinuses; and because the mucus cannot drain appropriately, it will cause infections. These infections may be relatively mild but persistent, and they can be problematic for young children, the elderly and those with depressed immune systems.

    Insomnia/Sleep Apnea

    • Because sinus polyps can disrupt breathing, they can also affect the way that a person sleeps. When the body cannot get enough air or if the airflow is interrupted in some way, a person will usually wake up. Even when they do not wake up, they often feel as though their sleep has been disrupted all night.

    Reduced Ability to Taste and Smell

    • Sinus polyps reduce nasal airflow; because of the blockage, the sense of smell is significantly reduced. As the sense of taste is so closely linked to our ability to smell, someone with nasal polyps may also experience a reduced ability to taste the flavors in food.

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