The exact reason why people develop nasal polyps is unknown.

People who have asthma, hay fever, chronic sinus infections and cystic fibrosis are more susceptible to developing nasal polyps than people who do not have these conditions.

Generally, nasal polyps are thought to occur as a result of constant inflammation in the nose and sinus cavities.

1. Allergies:
   
   These are the immunes over reaction to certain allergens (dust, pollen, pet hair/dander, mold, ect…), food (seafood, peanuts, dairy products, ect…).
   The body's normal reaction to irritants is to produce lots of mucus to flush the allergen out. This causes inflammation to the mucus membranes.
   
   Hay fever, allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergies are all allergic reactions caused by different tree and plant pollens. The pollen irritates the mucus membranes causing them to inflame and itch.
   
   
2. Inherited conditions:
   
   Cystic fibrosis causes certain glands in the mucus membranes to produce thick, sticky mucus, which results in prolonged inflammation to these membranes.
   
   

• Aquired Conditions:
  
  People who have chronic respiratory conditions are more at risk of developing Nasal Polys because their mucus membranes are constantly inflamed.
  Asthma is one such condition where the mucus membrane linings in the throat and bronchi become inflamed, constrict and produce an excess amount of mucus.
  

• Chronic Sinus Infections - This is a long time infection and inflammation of the mucus membrane linings found in the sinus cavities and nasal passages.
  
  There are two types of sinus infections:
  
  • Bacterial Infections - Bacteria can be found everywhere, it floats around us daily, and even enters our bodies in every breath we take. Not only this, but our beloved pets can also carry milions of tiny bacterial particles in their skin, hair and bodily secreations.
    
    A bacterial infection in the sinus cavities is also known as sinusitis and occurs when mucus collects in blocked sinus cavities. This stagnant mucus provides the perfect place for bacteria to thrive.
    
    
  • Fungal Infections - Fungal spores can be found all around us in the atmosphere. When we breathe, fungus and mold spores become trapped in the mucus that lines the nasal membranes.
    People who have respiratory problems such as acute sinusitis, allergies, bronchitis and post nasal drip are more susceptible to developing a reaction to fungus as well as developing recurrent and chronic sinusitis.
    Constantly inflamed mucus membranes (chronic sinusitis), can also put you more at risk of developing nasal polyps.
    
    
• A Deviated Septum - A deviated septum occurss when your septum (the cartilage separating the left and right nasal passages) is crooked or broken. This can be caused by nasal trauma (contact sports or clumsy accidents) or may be due to a birth defect (the septum is unusually developed, this is known as a cartilaginous growth abnormality).