Nasal Polyps

Overview

Nasal polyps are painless and benign (noncancerous) growths. They form in the mucosa (thin, soft tissue) that lines your nasal and sinus passages. They usually appear on both sides of your nose. Nasal polyps can get irritated and swollen, making it hard for you to breathe through your nose.

Small polyps are teardrop-shaped. But as they grow larger, they often resemble peeled grapes that are pink, yellow or gray.

Nasal polyps affect up to 40% of the general population. Anyone can get them. But they’re twice as common in people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Many people get them in their 30s or 40s. But the overall risk increases with age.

Nasal polyposis is another name for nasal polyps.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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