| Nasal polyps | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A nasal polyp | |
| Specialty | Otorhinolaryngology |
| Symptoms | Trouble breathing through the nose, loss of smell, decreased taste, post nasal drip, runny nose[1] |
| Complications | Sinusitis, broadening of the nose[2][3] |
| Causes | Unclear[1] |
| Risk factors | Allergies, cystic fibrosis, aspirin sensitivity, certain infections[1] |
| Diagnostic method | Looking up the nose, CT scan[1] |
| Treatment | Steroid nasal spray, surgery, antihistamines[1] |
| Frequency | ~4%[1] |
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths within the nose or sinuses.[1] Symptoms include trouble breathing through the nose, loss of smell, decreased taste, post nasal drip, and a runny nose.[1] The growths are sac-like, movable, and nontender, though face pain may occasionally occur.[1] They typically occur in both nostrils in those who are affected.[1] Complications may include sinusitis and broadening of the nose.[2]
The exact cause is unclear.[1] They may be related to chronic inflammation of the lining of the sinuses.[1] They occur more commonly among people who have allergies, cystic fibrosis, aspirin sensitivity, or certain infections.[1] The polyp itself represents an overgrowth of the mucous membranes.[1] Diagnosis may be accomplished by looking up the nose.[1] A CT scan may be used to determine the number of polyps and help plan surgery.[1]
Treatment is typically with steroids, often in the form of a nasal spray.[1] If this is not effective, surgery may be considered.[1] The condition often recurs following surgery; thus, continued use of a steroid nasal spray is often recommended.[1] Antihistamines may help with symptoms but do not change the underlying disease.[1] Antibiotics are not required for treatment unless an infection occurs.[1]
About 4% of people currently have nasal polyps while up to 40% of people develop them at some point in their life.[1] They most often occur after the age of 20 and are more frequent in males than females.[1] Nasal polyps have been described since the time of the Ancient Egyptians.[4]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Newton, JR; Ah-See, KW (April 2008). "A review of nasal polyposis". Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 4 (2): 507–12. doi:10.2147/tcrm.s2379. PMC 2504067. PMID 18728843.
- ^ a b Yellon, Robert (2018). Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 868–915. ISBN 978-0323079327.
- ^ Frazier, Margaret Schell; Drzymkowski, Jeanette (2014-03-12). Essentials of Human Diseases and Conditions. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 432. ISBN 9780323292283.
- ^ Önerci, T. Metin; Ferguson, Berrylin J. (2010). Nasal Polyposis: Pathogenesis, Medical and Surgical Treatment. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 1. ISBN 9783642114120.