Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop in the nasal passages or the sinuses. While these are not dangerous, they can be uncomfortable, causing symptoms like a blocked nose, breathing difficulties, and frequent infections. Here are some of the common causes of nasal polyps.

1. Recurrent infections
One of the common causes of nasal polyps is recurrent infections in the nasal passage. When a person has an allergy that causes recurrent infections, the inside of the nose gets inflamed and swollen, causing dripping of fluids. Over time, the skin inside the nasal passage may become stiff and turn into a polyp.

2. Asthma
Another common cause of nasal polyps is asthma. This is a respiratory condition that causes difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and a blocked nose. Some people have chronic asthma that causes recurrent nasal drips and infections, resulting in nasal polyps too.

3. Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a condition that causes sticky mucus secretion in different organs of the body. This condition affects the cells that produce mucus and sweat. While sweat and mucus generally help in lubrication, it can cause clogs and blockages for people with this condition. Cystic fibrosis can cause thick mucus in the nasal passage that can result in the development of hardened polyps.

4. Churg-Strauss syndrome
Churg-Strauss syndrome is a condition that causes inflammation in the blood vessels, permanently damaging different organs in the body. One of the common signs of this syndrome is recurrent asthma. This syndrome is also one of the common causes of nasal polyps. People with Churg-Strauss syndrome end up having repeated cases of nasal polyps, even after the polyp is surgically removed or medically treated.

5. Genetics
Genetics could be a cause of nasal polyps for some people. If one’s first-relatives, including their parents or grandparents, had polyps, their chances of inheritance are high. If that is the case, the person will have to handle the condition regularly with medications and surgery, if needed.

6. Sensitivity to certain drugs
Some people can develop nasal polyps when they consume certain anti-inflammatory medications. Some of the common kinds of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can cause nasal polyps are ibuprofen and aspirin.

7. Immune disorders
Certain inherited immune disorders can also put a person at a higher risk of developing nasal polyps.

8. Vitamin D deficiency
If one is vitamin D deficient, they can end up developing nasal polyps. It is a good idea to check one’s vitamin D levels to see if that could be one of the causes of nasal polyps.

All these causes of nasal polyps can result in the development of non-cancerous tissues in the nasal passage or sinuses. One can treat nasal polyps with medications if they are small. However, surgery may be required if they are big and pose a risk of breathing difficulties.