Some evidence shows that nasal polyps are caused by sinus inflammation, and specialists agree it's important for patients to understand the symptoms and when to see a doctor.

Most people are familiar with sinus and nose inflammation. Chronic inflammation can result in long-term health conditions like nasal polyps. 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.

"The best way to diagnose sinusitis and chronic sinusitis is with both an endoscopic visualization and a CT scan," Dr. Matt D. Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told California Business Daily. "Both of these are extremely useful tools for diagnosing sinusitis. The endoscopic visualization is going to give us a supremely excellent view of the nose, of the septum, of the turbinates, as well as an area of the nose which is called the middle meatus, which is where three of our four sets of sinuses drain into. This will give us full evaluation if it's just nasal inflammation, mucosal inflammation or nasal polyps."

"CT scans give us a little bit of a deeper look. They're going to tell us if there's fluid collections within the sinuses themselves, if there's coastal picketing within the sinus cavity themselves where our endoscopes cannot see. So the combination of the two is a highly, highly effective way to diagnose chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis."

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.

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