Nasal polyps are painless, teardrop-like growths on the sinuses or the nasal passage lining. The symptoms of nasal polyps are quite similar to that of flu or a common cold, making it difficult to identify the condition. To prevent nasal polyps, it is a good idea to stay away from all kinds of nasal irritants and avoid breathing in airborne substances that are likely to cause irritation or swelling inside the nose or sinuses. These include tobacco smoke, allergens, dust, fine debris, and chemical fumes. However, to diagnose and manage nasal polyps, it is important to know some common symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps may lead to chronic inflammation in the nasal passage lining. Sometimes if the polyps are very large, or there are groups of polyps, the nasal passage and sinuses may be completely blocked. While a few people do not experience any symptoms, these are some of the common symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps that one should be aware of.

• A constantly runny nose with shivers or cold at all times.
• Frequent headaches or itchiness near the eyes.
• Blocked nose or a continuous feeling of stuffiness so much that one is not able to breathe easily. This can also affect one’s sleep as they may wake up frequently because of breathlessness.
• Some patients even notice continuous dripping of mucus down their throats.
• At times, people with nasal polyps may experience pain and discomfort in the face.
• Some patients are unable to smell properly or suffer from a rather weak sense of smell. This feeling, unfortunately, does not go away even when polyps have been clinically removed.
• People with polyps in the nasal passage tend to snore a lot while sleeping.
• In some serious cases, the polyps can lead to obstructive sleep apnea where one may stop breathing completely while sleeping.
• One of the severe symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps in a person suffering from cystic fibrosis or allergic fungal sinusitis is experiencing blurry vision or double vision.

While these signs of nasal polyps should not be ignored do not indicate medical emergencies, if they do not disappear after two weeks, one must see their doctor. Since many of the symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps are common to regular cold and flu, one may not find anything alarming. However, if there’s trouble in breathing properly or the symptoms worsen, it is not advisable to wait any longer. Also, those who experience double vision, reduced vision, swelling near the eyes or inability to move the eyes easily, should immediately consult a doctor. Finally, even common symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps like high temperature, severe headaches, inability to tip the head forward shouldn’t be ignored.