Risk Factors for Nasal Polyps: Causes and Symptoms Explained

Any condition that triggers long-term irritation and swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages or sinuses, such as an infection or allergies, can increase your risk of developing nasal polyps. Conditions that often trigger nasal polyps include:

– Sensitivity to aspirin: people with an allergic response to aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are more likely to develop polyps.

– People with asthma

– Allergic fungal sinusitis: allergic to airborne mold.

– Rhinitis / Rhinosinusitis: inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses, usually lasting 12 weeks or more.

– Cystic fibrosis: a chronic disease that affects organs such as the liver, lungs, pancreas and intestines.

– Churg-Strauss syndrome: a disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels.

– Age: Nasal polyps can occur at any age, but young and middle-aged adults are more at risk.

– Deficiency of vitamin D

– Genetics: Individuals whose parents have nasal polyps have a higher risk of developing nasal polyps.