Nasal polyps are common growths that can raise questions about their nature and effects. Understanding these growths, including whether they can bleed, is important for those experiencing nasal symptoms.
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop within the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They often resemble peeled grapes or teardrops, varying in color from pale to pink, yellow, or gray. They typically form in the areas where sinuses open into the nasal cavity.
The exact cause of nasal polyps is not fully understood, but they are strongly linked to ongoing inflammation within the nose and sinuses. Conditions such as chronic sinusitis, allergies, and asthma frequently contribute to their development. This inflammation can lead to swelling of the nasal mucosa, eventually forming these growths.
Do Nasal Polyps Bleed?
Nasal polyps can indeed bleed, though this bleeding is typically minor. Their delicate surface contains small, fragile blood vessels that are susceptible to rupture. Increased inflammation within the polyp itself can also contribute to this fragility, making bleeding more likely.
Bleeding from nasal polyps often appears as light spotting, streaks of blood in nasal mucus, or minor nosebleeds, rather than heavy gushes. Irritation, such as vigorous nose blowing or nose picking, can easily disrupt the polyp’s surface and trigger these episodes. While minor bleeding can occur, significant or recurrent heavy nosebleeds from polyps are less common and may warrant further investigation.
Other Common Symptoms of Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps frequently cause a range of other symptoms beyond minor bleeding. They often lead to persistent nasal obstruction or stuffiness, which can make breathing through the nose difficult. This blockage can also cause a chronic runny nose and post-nasal drip.
Many individuals with nasal polyps experience a reduced or complete loss of their sense of smell, which can also affect the sense of taste. A feeling of pressure or mild pain in the face, particularly around the eyes, forehead, or cheeks, is common. When polyps grow large enough to block nasal passages, they can even contribute to snoring.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you experience persistent or concerning nasal symptoms, including bleeding, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Seek medical attention for significant or recurrent heavy nasal bleeding, especially if it is accompanied by other severe symptoms. Worsening or new symptoms, such as severe headaches, changes in vision, or intense facial pain, also warrant prompt medical evaluation.
A doctor can accurately diagnose nasal polyps through a physical examination, often using a lighted tool to look inside the nose. In some cases, a nasal endoscopy or imaging studies like a CT scan may be performed to assess the extent of the polyps. Treatment options vary and can include steroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation, oral medications, or surgical removal of the polyps to alleviate symptoms and improve breathing.