Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths on the sinuses or the nasal passage lining. They are shaped like teardrops and develop due to chronic inflammation associated with allergies, asthma, certain immune disorders, or sensitivity to medications. While they are not life-threatening, nasal polyps can lead to discomfort and recurrent sinus infections. This article lists some of the other complications associated with nasal polyps.

1. Double vision
At times, nasal polyps might alter the facial structure, which results in double vision, reduced vision, or limited ability to move one’s eyes.

2. Sinus infections
This is among the most prevalent complications associated with nasal polyps. Unfortunately, sinus infections may become recurrent and chronic or long-term due to nasal polyps. Additionally, a bacterial infection will mostly need antibiotics for treatment.  Even surgical treatment of polyps might lead to a sinus infection. Besides, continued treatment in the form of oral corticosteroids or nasal steroid sprays might further reduce an individual’s resistance to sinus infections.

3. Nose bleeds and the loss of smell and taste
Surgical treatment of nasal polyps might lead to nose bleeds. Another  common complication associated with nasal polyps is the loss of smell and taste. It has been noted that the loss of smell or taste due to this condition might even persist after treatment.

4. Meningitis
Nasal polyps might sometimes cause sinus infections in the rear center of the head, which can spread into the brain. This can cause life-threatening issues like meningitis or brain abscess. Meningitis is a condition that results in the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the spinal cord and the brain.

5. Orbital cellulitis
Orbital cellulitis is the infection and associated inflammation of the soft tissue behind the eye. It can lead to symptoms like pain, swelling, and protrusion of the eyeball. The most common cause of this condition is the spreading of bacteria from a sinus infection to the eye.

6. Osteitis
Sinus bone infections, which are known as osteitis, are another common complication associated with nasal polyps.

7. Persistent blocked or stuffy nose
Some people with nasal polyps might find it incredibly challenging to breathe through the nose, and this often becomes the primary cause of obstructive sleep apnea.

8. Obstructive sleep apnea
The obstruction in the nasal airways can lead to this potentially severe sleep disorder, wherein an individual’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts while they are asleep. In this case, the obstruction is caused by large nasal polyps that narrow or block the nasal passageway. People with sleep apnea might wake up frequently during the night. This affects the quality and amount of sleep they get, also impacting their daily routine due to a lack of energy.

9. Asthmatic flare-ups
Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways swell and become narrow, leading to breathing difficulties. It is one of the key risk factors for nasal polyps, which result in chronic sinusitis and might aggravate the frequency of asthma flare-ups.