Disorders of the upper respiratory tract, particularly those affecting the nose and sinuses, are quite common health problems. Two of the most common causes of confusion are nasal polyps and sinusitis.
Many people mistake the two for the same condition because of similar symptoms, such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and a decreased sense of smell. However, nasal polyps and sinusitis are actually two distinct conditions, although they can be related.
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are noncancerous (benign) soft tissue growths that form on the mucous lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. Polyps typically resemble small, pale, soft, and painless drops of water or grapes.
Symptoms of nasal polyps include:
Chronic nasal congestion.
- Loss or reduction of the sense of smell.
- Continuous runny nose.
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the face.
- Snoring while sleeping.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinus mucosa, the air-filled cavities in the facial bones surrounding the nose. The sinuses function to produce mucus that keeps the nose moist, relieves the pressure on the facial skull, and protects the respiratory tract from germs.
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
Nasal congestion with thick yellow or green mucus.
- Pain or pressure in the face (forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes).
- Headache.
- Fever (in acute sinusitis).
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- Cough, especially at night
- It feels like there is mucus flowing down the throat.
Difference between Nasal Polyps and Sinusitis
Although the symptoms can be similar, nasal polyps and sinusitis have fundamental differences:
Nasal Polyps:
- Benign tissue growth in the nasal/sinus mucosal lining.
- Caused by chronic inflammation, allergies, asthma, sensitivity to certain drugs.
- Typical symptoms: loss of smell, stuffy nose without fever.
Sinusitis:
- Inflammation or infection of the lining of the sinuses.
- Caused by viral, bacterial, fungal infections or allergies.
- Typical symptoms: thick mucus, facial pain, fever, headache.
The Relationship Between Nasal Polyps and Sinusitis
Nasal polyps often arise from poorly managed chronic sinusitis. Conversely, polyps can also worsen sinusitis by blocking the sinus passages.
Risk Factors
- Chronic allergies.
- Asthma.
- Recurrent respiratory tract infections.
- Chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
- Sensitivity to certain drugs.
- Polluted environment or cigarette smoke.
Prevention
- Control allergies.
- Clean the nose with saline solution.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air from drying out.
- Avoid cigarette smoke and pollution.
- Drink enough water.
- Treat flu or colds immediately.
- Control chronic diseases.
- Implement a healthy lifestyle.
Nasal polyps and sinusitis are not the same condition, but they are closely related. Polyps are benign tissue growths caused by chronic inflammation, while sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinuses. The best prevention is maintaining nasal hygiene, controlling allergies, avoiding pollution, and promptly treating respiratory infections. By taking these steps, the risk of polyps and sinusitis can be minimized.
Article written by Dr. Jon Prijadi, Sp.THT-KL (Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Specialist, EMC Cikarang Hospital).