There are various factors that can cause nasal polyps. These factors can not only cause nasal polyps to appear, but can also cause nasal polyps to recur when they are reduced or have surgery.
The cause of nasal polyps is inflammation of the walls of the nose or sinuses. Inflammation can be caused by many things, but the most common are allergies and infections. Both of these can cause the walls of the nose and sinuses to become irritated, swollen and red, and eventually form polyps.
The polyp itself is a teardrop-shaped tissue that grows from the walls of the nose or sinuses. Usually small polyps do not cause symptoms. However, the growth of large polyps can block the nasal passages and cause breathing problems to the loss of the sense of smell.
Various Causes of Nasal Polyps
The following are some of the factors that can cause nasal polyps:
1. Recurrent sinus infections
Infected sinuses will experience inflammation and swelling. As a result, mucus can also build up in the sinuses and exacerbate inflammation. Inflammatory conditions like these, especially those that occur over a long period of time, can easily be the cause of nasal polyps.
2. Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common causes of nasal polyps. Research shows that people with asthma tend to be more susceptible to more severe inflammation of the nose and sinuses. This condition causes nasal polyps to appear more easily in people with asthma.
3. Allergic rhinitis
Hay fever allergic rhinitis is inflammation and blockage in the inside of the nose caused by an allergic reaction to various allergens, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander.
Inflammation caused by allergies can be chronic, meaning that it lasts for a long time or recurs frequently. As a result, this inflammation in the nose can increase the risk of developing nasal polyps.
4. Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis or cystic fibrosis is also a genetic condition that can be a cause of nasal polyps. In this condition, the mucus in the respiratory tract that should function as a protector and moisturizer becomes thicker.
This increases the risk of infection and chronic inflammation of the nose or sinuses. That is why the condition of nasal polyps is often found in patients cystic fibrosis.
In addition to the above factors, nasal polyps can also occur due to impaired immune system, vitamin D deficiency, and sensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
How to Prevent Nasal Polyps
To prevent the possibility of getting nasal polyps or prevent nasal polyps from reappearing, there are several ways that can be done, namely:
- Control allergies and asthma well.
- Avoid nasal or sinus irritants as much as possible, such as cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, dust, and air pollution.
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly to protect yourself from bacterial or viral infections that cause an inflamed nose.
- Use humidifier to humidify the air in the room.
- Use a saline spray or nasal cleanser to rinse the nasal passages and make sure there are no allergens or irritants.
Since the cause of nasal polyps is inflammation, medications to reduce inflammation in the nose, such as steroid sprays, can help reduce the size of the polyps and relieve symptoms of nasal congestion.
As discussed above, nasal polyps can arise from a fairly common and actually quite simple disease. If you are one of those who have the conditions that cause nasal polyps as above, it's a good idea to regularly consult a doctor, especially if you have trouble breathing or smelling bad breath.
