NE Valley Times

There is scientific evidence to support the idea that nasal polyps stem from sinus inflammation.

The best way to try andd avoid them is to know your symptoms and when it's time to see a specialist.

Living with sinus and nose inflammation is something most people are familiar with. Chronic inflammation can lead to long-term health conditions like nasal polyps. In most cases, nasal polyps are thought to be a product of inflammation of the mucosa from either a sinus allergy reaction or some other inflammatory process, according to a study published in the Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology.

"There have been multiple studies that show that the earlier that you intervene in the disease process, the better the long-term outcomes," Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center told NE Valley Times. "So you never want to wait until your sinuses are an absolute mess. Because your outcomes are probably not going to be as good and you may need repeat procedures to help to completely eliminate the infection or the inflammation. And so the earlier we intervene, the better the patients do."

Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps include runny nose, persistent stuffiness, postnasal drip, decreased or absent sense of smell, loss of sense of taste, pain in the bridge of the nose, headache or sinus headache, pain in the upper teeth, a sense of pressure over the forehead and face, snoring and frequent nosebleeds, according to Mayo Clinic.

No evidence shows a timeline for developing nasal polyps. It is best to see your otolaryngologist -- or ear, nose and throat specialist -- when symptoms persist beyond 10 days or if home remedies for sinus headaches and over-the-counter medications are no longer effective. By treating the causes, the development of nasal polyps can potentially be avoided, according to Mayo Clinic.

To assess the severity of your sinus symptoms, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz