Nasal polyps are soft, benign growths that appear in the nasal and sinus cavities. People of all ages have them and it is entirely possible to have them and not know since they often do not cause pain. If there are few polyps and/or they are small, it is possible they may cause no symptoms or major obstructions. Still, in more severe cases, they can cause discomfort and symptoms in some cases. So, what causes polyps in the nose?
Doctors and scientists are still not entirely sure what causes nasal polyps. It is likely a combination of several factors and it is possible that there is a genetic component. However, the people who most commonly get polyps are those with prolonged nasal irritation and inflammation. For example, people with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and allergic fungal sinusitis are much more likely to have or develop polyps.
People with nasal polyps also appear to have different immune responses than others. In some cases, they may be immune-compromised and in others, it may be perfectly normal, just different.
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