Polyp Patrol
Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths that can form inside your nose or sinuses. They’re not usually harmful, but they can cause problems if they get too big or if there are many of them. To help, there's XOLAIR (omalizumab), used to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in adults.
11 Signs of Nasal Polyps
1. Stuffy Nose
One of the most common signs of nasal polyps is a stuffy nose. You might feel like your nose is always blocked, making it hard to breathe. This can happen even if you don’t have a cold or allergies.
2. Runny Nose
If you have nasal polyps, your nose might be runny all the time. You might find yourself needing tissues often because your nose is dripping, even when you’re not sick.
3. Reduced Sense of Smell
Nasal polyps can block the areas of your nose that help you smell. If you notice that you can’t smell things as well as you used to, it could be a sign of nasal polyps.
4. Reduced Sense of Taste
When your sense of smell is reduced, your sense of taste can be affected too. Food might not taste as flavorful as it used to, which can make eating less enjoyable.
5. Facial Pain or Pressure
Nasal polyps can cause a feeling of pressure or pain in your face, especially around your nose, cheeks and forehead. This can make your face feel uncomfortable or even painful.
6. Headaches
Frequent headaches can be a sign of nasal polyps, especially if the pain is around your forehead or the bridge of your nose. The pressure caused by polyps can trigger these headaches.
7. Snoring
If you’ve started snoring more often, nasal polyps might be the cause. The polyps can block your nasal passages, making it harder to breathe quietly while you sleep.
8. Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is when mucus drips down the back of your throat. This can make you feel like you always need to clear your throat or cough, and it can be caused by nasal polyps.
9. Chronic Sinus Infections
Nasal polyps can lead to frequent sinus infections. If you keep getting sinus infections that won’t go away, it might be because of polyps blocking your sinuses.
10. Nosebleeds
Although less common, nasal polyps can sometimes cause nosebleeds. The polyps can irritate the inside of your nose, making it more likely to bleed.
11. Breathing Through Your Mouth
When nasal polyps block your nose, you might find yourself breathing through your mouth more often, especially at night. This can lead to a dry mouth and sore throat.
Treatments for Nasal Polyps
If you think you have nasal polyps, it’s important to see a doctor. There are several treatments that can help:
- Medications: Doctors may prescribe nasal sprays, antihistamines or steroids to reduce inflammation and shrink the polyps.
- Surgery: If the polyps are large or don’t respond to medication, surgery might be needed to remove them.
- Managing allergies: If allergies are causing your polyps, controlling your allergies can help prevent the polyps from growing.
- XOLAIR: XOLAIR is a medicine used to help with allergies and asthma. It works by stopping certain chemicals in your body that cause allergic reactions. If you have asthma or allergies that don’t get better with other treatments, XOLAIR might help you feel better. XOLAIR helps by blocking a chemical called IgE that can cause allergies and asthma problems.
Nasal Polyps Unplugged
Nasal polyps can be bothersome, but there are treatments available to help you feel better. If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Taking action early can help you breathe easier and improve your quality of life.