Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths found growing in the lining of sinuses or the nose. Nasal polyps are usually found on both nasal passages and obstruct air. They can cause symptoms such as a stuffy nose and also affect the sense of smell. However, all growths in the nose are not nasal polyps; some could be fatal. Here’s looking at the risk factors and early signs of nasal polyps in detail.

Risk factors  
Conditions that lead to long-term swelling in the nasal passages or sinuses grow the risk of nasal polyps. These conditions can include allergies or infections. Some of the common risk factors associated with nasal polyps include the following:

1. Sensitivity to Aspirin
People who have an allergic response to Aspiring or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are at high risk of developing nasal polyps.

2. Asthma
People suffering from asthma, especially the ones who have a late onset of asthma, have higher chances of developing nasal polyps as compared to people who have childhood asthma.

3. Allergy to fungal sinusitis
This is an allergic reaction to fungi that is airborne. Anyone suffering from this allergic reaction is at a high risk of developing nasal polyps.

4. Rhinitis
Chronic inflammation of any type that affects the nose can increase the chances of developing nasal polyps. Chronic inflammation includes allergic rhinitis, also known as Hay fever.

5. Cystic fibrosis
This is a genetic condition that affects the organs such as the intestines, lungs, liver, and pancreas. The condition is identified by the production of unusually thick mucus inside the airways. This mucus is not easy to cough up.

6. Age
Although nasal polyps can affect anyone, young and middle-aged people are at higher risk.

7. Family history
If a person has a family history of nasal polyps, which means the condition runs in the family, their chances of developing them increase.

Early signs of nasal polyps
When the nasal polyps start occurring, they can make you feel like you have a cold. If left untreated, nasal polyps can grow in size and cause several symptoms that interfere with your daily life. Although rare, when nasal polyps grow extremely large, they can even make your nose and face enlarged. Therefore, it is important to identify the early signs of nasal polyps, which include:

1. Not inhaling from the nose
Whenever there is a blockage in the nasal passage, inhalation is done by the mouth. Therefore, if you have been inhaling from the mouth and it is not because of a cold, it could be a sign of nasal polyps.

2. Stuffy nostrils
Nasal polyps can block the nasal passages. This leads to chronic stuffiness of both nostrils.

3. Reduced sense of smell
If you notice any changes in your sense of smell, nasal polyps can be a reason. Polyps can prevent the nasal walls that aid the sense of smell from performing their job. Hence, you can lose your sense of smell.