Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are fleshy swellings that grow from the lining of your nose or your sinuses (the small cavities inside your nose). They are the result of inflammation (swelling) of the membranes of the nose, and are sometimes caused by rhinitis.
A nasal polyp is shaped like a teardrop when it is growing and looks like a grape on a stem when fully grown. Nasal polyps may be yellowish, grey or pink in colour and vary in size. They can either grow on their own or in clusters, and usually affect both nostrils.
If they grow large enough or if they grow in clusters, nasal polyps can:
- interfere with your breathing
- reduce your sense of smell
- block your sinuses, leading to sinusitis (see below)
Smaller polyps can be shrunk using corticosteroid nasal sprays so that they do not cause any obstructions in your nose. Large polyps may need to be surgically removed.
See the Health A-Z topic on Nasal polyps for information on the causes and possible treatments.
Sinusitis
A common complication of rhinitis is sinusitis. This is inflammation or infection of your sinuses.
Usually, if your sinuses become filled with mucus, the fluid drains away. However, if the fluid cannot drain away, for example as the result of a blockage, it can become infected with bacteria.
Sinusitis is a common problem for people with rhinitis because an excess of mucus or nasal polyps can stop the sinuses from draining properly.
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
- pain and tenderness of the infected sinus. You may experience a throbbing pain in your sinuses and toothache or pain in your jaw when you eat
- a blocked or runny nose. Your nose may produce a greenish or yellowish mucus. If your nose becomes blocked with mucus, any pain and tenderness in the affected area may become worse
- high temperature over 38C (100.4F)
The symptoms of sinusitis can be relieved using over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. These will relieve a headache, high temperature and any pain or tenderness that you have around the infected area.
Children under 16 years of age should not take aspirin. Ibuprofen is not recommended for asthmatics or people who have (or have had) stomach conditions, such as ulcers. Speak to your GP if you are unsure whether you should take it.
Antibiotics may be recommended if you develop a secondary infection in your sinuses. If sinusitis remains a long-term problem (chronic sinusitis), you may require surgery to improve the drainage of your sinuses.
See the Health A-Z topic on Sinusitis for further information on the causes and possible treatments.
