Polyps are tiny, abnormal clumps of tissues that grow in the body, especially in places where there are numerous blood vessels. These include the colon, cervix, throat, nose, stomach, and uterus. While polyps are benign, there could be other growths that might be cancerous. Hence, it is best to get your symptoms checked by a doctor. Nasal polyps are soft, inflamed tissues that grow along the inner lining of the nose or sinuses. These polyps appear like teardrops or small grapes.
Nasal polyps do not show any symptoms in the initial stages. You may not realize the presence of polyps until they grow big in the sinuses or develop in groups. When this happens, the following symptoms can be hard to ignore:

1. Blockage of the nasal passage
Big polyps can block the nasal passage and result in a stuffy nose. It can be a persistent problem for weeks or months.

2. Pressure on the face
When your sinuses become inflamed, fluids accumulate and make your face feel heavy or bloated. The pressure is mostly felt in the cheeks, forehead, and near the eyes.

3. Difficulty breathing
Breathing becomes difficult when the polyps block your airways. These large lumps force you to breathe through the mouth. This considerable effort to breathe becomes a struggle and can make you feel exhausted.

4. Runny nose
Nasal polyps cause a runny nose and make you feel like you have a constant cold.

5. Post-nasal drip
Post-nasal drip is a common symptom of nasal polyps. Excess mucus or secretions that form due to the abnormal growth in the nose runs down the throat. This trickle makes you want to clear your throat often and can give rise to cough too.

6. Loss of sense of smell
When there is irritation in the nose’s lining, it can lead to a partial or complete loss of the sense of smell. As a consequence, your taste buds might also be affected. You might not be able to taste or relish the foods you eat. You might also slowly lose interest in eating, lose weight, and in severe cases, experience depression.

7. Frequent infections
Nasal polyps can trigger frequent infections too. It is because the growth inside the nose and sinuses block the free flow of fluids and air. It results in the accumulation of secretions and provokes the growth of bacteria. Hence, frequent infections are a common symptom of nasal polyps. Nosebleeds are common too. At times, there can even be a thick greenish or yellow discharge from the nose.

8. Snoring and sleep apnea
Nasal polyps can cause snoring and sleep apnea. Blocked nasal passageways make breathing more difficult when you are lying down. This can result in a snoring sound. Over time, it may even give rise to sleep apnea, wherein your breathing periodically stops and starts. Such interruptions in your breathing can be the result of the presence of large nasal polyps.

9. Pain in the mouth
While pain is not a common symptom of nasal polyps, you might feel it in the mouth or teeth at times. Headaches can also occur when there is a sinus infection.

Nasal polyps are most common in middle-aged adults, but can affect people of all ages. While medicines can shrink or remove polyps, these benign growths can easily be removed by surgical methods too. However, the probability of their recurrence is high. Nasal polyps are not a life-threatening disease, but can significantly reduce your quality of life. Seek the timely advice of your healthcare provider if you notice any of the above-mentioned warning signs.