nasal polyps removal PDF nasal polyps removal PDF | Page 10

People who have hay fever, asthma, suffer from sinus in general or even people who get headaches from allergens or outside irritants should take on preventive measures as these, especially those who are over 40, have a higher risk of developing nasal polyps than other people. 2. WHAT CAUSES NASAL POLYPS? There are many factors that can trigger the growth of nasal polyps, and indeed, in many cases the exact trigger will not be known. However, in all cases, an irritation of the nasal passages is present. This irritation will cause an inflammation in this area, and if the inflammation is present for a sufficiently long time, fluid will build up in the inflamed cells. Eventually, gravity pulls these cells down, resulting in the characteristic tear-drop shaped growths, i.e. nasal polyps. You can therefore understand why shrinking the polyps with steroids or cutting them out with surgery is not a permanent solution: the inflammation is still there and the process of polyps growth will quickly re-occur. As we will discuss in later chapters, in order to ensure permanent relief from nasal polyps, you will need to ensure that the nasal passages are not irritated and that inflammation will not occur. Now, let's mention a few of the common triggers of nasal polyps. Each of these triggers can irritate the nasal passages and subsequently, cause an inflammation (and polyps growth) in the area. Inflammation can come about as a result of fungal, viral or bacterial infections. This highlights the importance of proper nasal hygiene. It is also important that if you have an infection, you treat it as soon as possible. Irritation of the nasal passages is often due to allergic reactions. People are allergic to various allergens such as pollen and dust. Such reactions will irritate and inflame the nasal cavity and eventually cause polyps to occur. In fact, nasal polyps are more prevalent among asthmatics and people with chronic rhinitis. 10