Nasal polyps and sinusitis cause inflammation in a person’s sinuses, accompanied with symptoms such as common cold, runny nose, swollen eyes, and breathing issues. This write-up will give you a brief about nasal polyps vs sinusitis.

1. What are nasal polyps and sinusitis?
The first thing to know when talking about nasal polyps vs sinusitis is that nasal polyps are painless and non-cancerous growths on the lining of nasal passages or sinuses. They are tear-drop- or grape-shaped. Small polyps don’t show any symptoms; however, larger ones can obstruct the nasal passage and lead to breathing problems, loss of sense of smell, and frequent infections. Commonly, they occur in the area where the upper sinuses drain into your nose (the point where the eyes, nose, and cheekbones meet).

Sinusitis is a condition in which a person’s sinuses get inflamed and infected. The inflammation occurs due to the fluid getting trapped, and this causes the growth of germs. Sinusitis develops into chronic sinusitis if the symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks. Moreover, some people suffering from the condition of sinusitis have nasal polyps, if the inflammation persists.

2. Symptoms
When comparing symptoms of nasal polyps vs sinusitis, it should be noted that they are similar in both cases. They include common cold, irritation, and swelling of the nasal passage lining, runny nose, persistent stuffiness, postnasal drip, decreased sense of smell, loss of sense of taste, headache, snoring, frequent nosebleeds, and swelling around eyes. Some people also experience troubled breathing, swollen eyes, severe headache, and reduced vision.

3. Causes
Nasal polyps can occur due to asthma, aspirin sensitivity, allergic fungal sinusitis, cystic fibrosis in nasal and sinus lining, vitamin-D deficiency, and Churg-Strauss syndrome (eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis).

The cause of sinusitis is fluid being trapped in sinuses that further leads to the growth of germs. Viral and bacterial infections, fungal infections, and molds are other common causes of sinusitis. Also, allergies and asthma, chemical pollutants can trigger sinusitis. Other risk factors include previous respiratory tract infections, nasal polyps, seasonal allergies, sensitivity to pollen and dust, and weakened immune system.

4. Complication involved
Long-term complications of nasal polyps include obstructive sleep apnea, asthma flare-ups, and sinus infections. Complications of sinusitis include orbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, orbital abscess, mastoiditis, frontal or maxillary osteomyelitis, subdural abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and brain abscess.

5. Prevention
To prevent nasal polyps and sinusitis, one should practice good hand hygiene; avoid nasal irritants, such as tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, dust, and debris; humidify home regularly; stay at a distance from people who suffer from respiratory infections; clean humidifiers and air conditioning units regularly; manage allergies and asthma; and use nasal rinses.

If you have any of the symptoms related to nasal polyps or sinusitis, get in touch with a doctor to get it treated to avoid any other ailments.