J33: Nasal polyp

Nasal polyps refer to soft, painless, noncancerous growths that line the inside of your nasal passages or sinuses. They sprout from the inflamed tissue of the nasal mucosa, the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses. They are typically small, teardrop-shaped growths that can look like peeled grapes. Even though a person might have just one polyp, there are often several polyps together, clustering like a bunch of grapes. Nasal polyps are caused by chronic inflammation, often due to allergies, asthma, recurring infection, or sinusitis. Symptoms include stuffy or blocked nose, snoring, loss of sense of smell, headaches, and pressure over your forehead or face. The condition is gradual and tends to worsen over time and can affect both adults and children, though they are more common in adults. If left untreated, nasal polyps can lead to complications such as sleep apnea and an infection that spreads to other areas of the body.