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What are the Symptoms of Sinus Polyps? Do I Have Sinus Polyps ?

Nasal Polyps sufferers usually have chronic inflammation of the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses (chronic sinusitis), resulting in the formation of polyps.

As a consequence of this inflammation should the polyps grow to a sufficient size, they may obstruct your nasal passages and sinuses.  Here are some of the symptoms which a patient may experience if they have nasal polyps.

Clogged or Stuffy Nose
Usually the most common symptom of nose polyps is a clogged or stuffy nose. However due to the fact that this is symptom associated with many illnesses, it shouldn’t necessarily mean that the patient has polyps in nose.

Breathing Difficulties and Asthma.
Due to blockage of the sinus cavities, sinus polyps can often lead to breathing difficulties.

Increased nasal drainage and runny nose (rhinorrhoea )
A consequence of having nasal polyps is an increased propensity for a runny nose. This is a problem that may be exacerbated by the nature of the septum (this is the cartilage that divides the nostrils).

Depending on how the septum is placed, it may worsen the patient’s tendency for a runny nose.

Likewise, a deviated septum can also affect the patients breathing.

Insomnia/Sleep Apnoea
Due to breathing difficulties and restricted airflow, the patients sleeping patterns may be disrupted. This can result in sleep apnoea and the patient waking up at intervals throughout the night.

Sinus Infections
As nose polyps block the sinus passages, this can often lead to mucus building up in the nasal cavity. Because effective sinus drainage is hampered, this can lead to infections. While the infections are usually mild, they can appear with regularity and be persistent. This can also cause issues for those with compromised immune systems, especially elderly patients and children.

Hampered Sense of Taste and Smell
Due to restricted airflow, the ability to smell is markedly diminished. As the ability to smell and taste are inextricably linked, the former is consequently reduced.

Other symptoms of Nasal Polyps

  • Facial Pain, Sinus pressure and sinus headaches.
  • Postnasal drip – This is the sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat from the nasal cavity, resulting in the need for the patient to  constantly clear his or her throat.
  • Double vision – Only in very severe cases, usually associated with cystic fibrosis.
  • Facial itching, especially around the eyes.
  • Changed facial structure that can also result in vision problems.
  • Concentration and problems focusing. Because there is a decreased intake of oxygen due to sinus blockage, the brain receives less oxygen that it might do ordinarily. This can result in poor concentration and difficulties focusing.
  • Fitness issues. Similar to the previous example, because of a decreased intake of oxygen, fitness is impacted
  • Chronic fatigue due to problems obtaining sufficient oxygen during sleep.