Nasal polyps are painless, non-cancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nose and sinuses. They vary in size and may grow in one or both nostrils at the same time. Although they can affect anyone, nasal polyps are more common in adults. Understanding the symptoms can help one with diagnosis and prevent further complications. So, let’s take a look at the symptoms and diagnosis of nasal polyps. 

1. Types of nasal polyps

• Ethmoidal polyps
  Ethmoidal polyps are a common type of nasal polyps located between the nose and the eyes in the ethmoidal sinuses.
• Antrochoanal polyps
  Antrochoanal polyps are a less common type of nasal polyps that develop between the teeth, cheek, and nose in the maxillary sinuses.

2. Signs and symptoms of nasal polyps
When the polyps are smaller in size, one may not notice any symptoms. However, once they start growing, the following symptoms may occur:

• Congestion
  Nasal polyps block the lining of the sinuses, making the person feel as though they have a stuffy nose or cannot breathe normally.
• A runny nose
  This condition causes many cold-like symptoms which seem to not go away. One of those symptoms is a runny nose.
• Reduced sense of smell
  The polyps may lead to a reduced sense of taste and smell. Sometimes, even after the polyps are cured, one’s sense of smell does not return to normal.
• Snoring
  In severe cases, a person may experience sleep apnea, a condition in which a person stops breathing abruptly at night. This will be accompanied by snoring.

3. Diagnosis of nasal polyps
While diagnosing the problem, the medical professional will ask one about their symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and analyze their nose. They may suggest that any of the following tests understand more about one’s condition and rule out certain possibilities.

• Nasal endoscopy
  In this procedure, the medical professional will insert a thin tube with either a camera or a magnifying glass at the end and note down a detailed analysis of one’s nose and sinuses.
• Allergy test
  With a prick test, the professional inserts allergens into one’s skin to determine if allergies are causing the inflammation. If a skin test cannot be performed, the doctor may suggest a blood test to check for antibodies against certain allergies.
• Cystic fibrosis
  When a child is diagnosed with nasal polyps, a doctor may suggest a test to determine whether they have inherited a genetic condition called cystic fibrosis. A simple sweat test helps understand if the affected child’s perspiration is saltier than others.
• CT scan
  A CT scan allows the doctor to check for any cancerous or non-cancerous growths or abnormalities in the nose and sinuses. Additionally, it also helps locate the polyps, determine their size and evaluate the inflammation.