When one knows the early warning signs of nasal polyps, they can treat these on time and recover faster. Nasal polyps are the painless, soft, and non-cancerous growths in the nasal passage lining. These polyps typically hang downwards like grapes or teardrops and they are because of inflammation of one’s sinuses. They may be closely associated with conditions like allergies, asthma, sensitivity to medications, recurring infections, and some immune disorders.

Nasal polyps may occur because of no specific reason; for instance, those suffering from hay fever are at greater risk of developing this condition. Children suffering from cystic fibrosis are also more likely to get nasal polyps. When one identifies the early warning signs of nasal polyps, they need to stay away from medicines that contain aspirin or an NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. If these medications are taken, the patient may experience severe shortness of breath suddenly.

Here are some of the early warning signs of nasal polyps that one should be aware of:

• Runny nose
  A continuously runny nose with no other apparent symptoms may be because of nasal polyps. While allergies may cause a runny nose, they will also lead to enlargement of existing polyps and this explains the runny nose condition.
• Mouth breathing
  When the nasal passages are blocked people tend to breathe in through the mouth. So, if breathing through the mouth becomes chronic and there is no associated cold to explain it, this may be due to polyps.
• Persistent stuffiness
  Nasal polyps cause the nasal passages to be blocked and this gives one the feeling of a stuffy nose; it can affect one or both nostrils.
• Chronic sinus infections
  These are typically the outcome of nasal polyps. Those having this condition may get sinus infections after a cold and this makes the passageway retain more mucous.
• Postnasal drip
  This is when excess mucous trickles down the back of one’s throat.
• Diminished sensations of smell
  Nasal polyps can cause one to lose their sense of smell.
• Headaches
  Frequent dull headaches are one of the signs to watch out for in people with nasal polyps. Polyps create pressure inside the passageways and this triggers a headache similar to a sinus headache.
• Snoring
  When snoring becomes chronic, it is possible that nasal polyps may be responsible for it.
• Loss of taste
  Loss of the sense of taste may also be brought on by nasal polyps.

Other symptoms include pain in upper teeth, facial pain and headaches, the sensation of pressure over the face and forehead, and frequent nose-bleeds.

When one notices these early signs of nasal polyps, they must talk to their doctor and get treatment. The polyps are usually visible to the doctor when he looks up the nose with an otoscope or nasoscope. When the polyps are deeply rooted inside the sinuses the doctor may recommend a nasal endoscopy. An MRI or CT scan will help to show the exact location and size of the polyps. Such scans will also inform the doctor if the polyps have deformed bones in that region and help to rule out other growths that may be cancerous.