Nasal polyps are benign and painless growths that occur in the sinuses and nasal passages. The polyps can form due to infections, allergies, certain medications, and other factors. Since the polyps may get swollen, they block the airways, leading to shortness of breath and other discomforts. If not treated correctly, the condition can worsen and lead to complications. Here, we will discuss some of the most severe complications associated with nasal polyps.

1. Nasal bleeding
Also known as epistaxis, nasal bleeding is a hugely common complication of nasal polyps. The blood loss occurs from the tissues that line the nasal passage and is usually caused due to the constant pressure in the area. However, nasal bleeding can also occur when treating the polyps during surgery. One should visit a doctor immediately if the bleeding is continuous and does not stop.

2. Obstructive sleep apnea
Another prevalent complication associated with nasal polyps is obstructive sleep apnea. In this condition, the patient’s breathing is interrupted in the middle of the night. It mainly develops when the air passage is hindered by the soft tissue’s relaxation at the back of the throat. The accompanying symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include fatigue, abnormal blood oxygen levels, emotional disorders, cognitive problems, and cardiovascular disorders.

3. Loss of smell or taste
Another severe complication associated with nasal polyps is loss of taste or smell. When the polyps grow uncontrollably, patients experience a nose blockage or nasal congestion, which leads to the problem. Complete loss of smell is known as anosmia, while a partial loss is called hyposmia.

4. Sinus infections
If the growths are not treated on time in some instances, they can lead to chronic sinus infections. The problem may last for several weeks and can be followed by fatigue, facial pain, runny nose, and headaches.

5. Other complications
Additionally, nasal polyps might also lead to other complications, such as recurrent nasal infections. In some people with asthma, polyps might aggravate the condition further. There are also a few less common and more severe complications associated with nasal polyps. These include:

• Osteitis: a sinus bone infection
• Meningitis: an infection of the tissues around the spinal cord and brain
• Orbital cellulitis: an infection around the tissues surrounding the eye

Since nasal polyps hinder the airflow and make it hard for the fluids, such as mucus, to drain properly, they may cause inflammation and irritation during their formation. Such things can bring in the above complications associated with nasal polyps. Therefore, one should visit a doctor immediately on noticing any signs of growth in the nasal area. Health experts recommend using nasal sprays and medication to reduce the size of the polyps and relieve the symptoms. Surgery is also an option in severe cases.