Mucosa, also known as mucous membrane, is a tissue lining the nasal cavity. The tissue is moist due to the secretions produced in the nose. Nasal polyps occur when there are problems in the mucous membrane. In most cases, they are benign and are not a cause of concern. You can identify nasal polyps early if you watch the signs and symptoms and get a diagnosis.

Types of nasal polyps
Sinuses are cavities found in many parts of the body. Nasal polyps can occur in two of the sinuses related to the nose. Doctors classify nasal polyps based on the location of the polyps. The two types of nasal polyps are ethmoidal polyps and Antrochoanal polyps.

1. Ethmoidal polyps
The ethmoid bone separates the nose and eye. Ethmoid sinuses are formed when discrete air cells group together in the ethmoid bone. Nasal polyps formed in the ethmoid sinus are called ethmoidal polyps. They are the more common type of nasal polyps

2. Antrochoanal polyps
The maxillary sinus is a large sinus located under the eye in the maxillary bones. Antrochoanal polyps are located in the maxillary sinus, right above the teeth and below the nose and cheeks. Atrocochoanal polyps are rare.

Signs of nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are painless and soft to touch. You may not feel them if they are soft and notice the polyps only when they begin to grow bigger and block the nasal passages. This can cause the following symptoms.

1. Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion makes your nose feel stuffed, causing difficulty while breathing.

2. Runny nose
The mucus from the sinus starts dripping out of the nose continuously.

3. Postnasal drip
Extra mucus produced in the body accumulates in the throat. It can also drip from the nose into the throat.

4. Loss of sense of smell
Inability to smell food. But, this is a temporary condition.

5. Oral breathing
Since inhaling through the nose is blocked, you automatically start breathing through your mouth.

6. Pressure on the forehead
Unlike a headache, you feel a slight pressure on your forehead.

7. Snoring
This is noisy breathing when you sleep. Apart from other conditions, it is also a symptom of polyps.

8. Sleep apnea
It is a sleeping disorder that causes a sudden stoppage in breathing during sleep. If untreated, it can lead to life-threatening situations.

Diagnosis of nasal polyps
The doctor first conducts a physical examination, using a light or special instrument known as a nasoscope to check the nose. Polyps are generally visible. If they cannot see any polyps, they can order a nasal endoscopy, CT scan, or MRI to identify the location and size of the polyps.