Nasal Polyps complications

Complications of Nasal Polyps

Very small singular nasal polyps may not cause any complications.
Inflammation in the sinuses from allergies, colds/flues or even a bacterial infection can increase the growth rate of nasal polyps.
Large or multiple nasal polyps may cause blockages in the nasal passages and sinus cavities.
This may result in certain other complications such as:
- Acute or chronic sinus infections - These infections occur when mucus drainage from the nose is prevented by nasal polyps, as these growths block the openings of the sinus cavities and nasal passages.
  As the nasal mucus has no where to go, it will begin to collect and dry out in these spaces making it an ideal environment in which bacteria can thrive.
  Sinus infections may recur due to colds, flu's or even allergies.

Obstructive sleep apnea - This is a serious condition where a person's breathing stops and starts a number of times while they are sleeping.

Nasal Polyps, enlarged tonsils or adenoids can fully or partially obstuct the vital airways (nasal passages and mouth) causing a limited amount of air to reach the lungs, and the amount of oxygen in ones blood to dangerously low levels.

This may cause your breathing to become loud and noisy (like snoring) and may even cause your breathing to stop for a short period.
It is therefore understandable that this condition can be fatal.

Untreated sleep apnea can predispose one to heart attacks, hypertension (high blood pressure) and even strokes.
An altered facial structure - This could lead to impaired vision and occurs mostly in people who have cystic fibrosis.
- Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition affecting certain glands in the mucus membranes. The affected glands begin to produce thick, sticky mucus which mainly affects organs such as the lungs and digestive tract. This thick mucus results in prolonged inflammation to the membranes or tissues that line the nasal passages and sinus cavities promoting the growth and enlargement of nasal polyps.