Causative & risk factors
Nasal polyps are often associated with chronic conditions of the respiratory system such as allergies or infections e.g. asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Formation of nasal polyps can possibly be related to an individual’s genetics.
Clinical presentation
Nasal polyps appear as small grape-like growths. Small nasal polyps do not produce any symptoms. Larger polyps block the drainage of sinuses and cause them to become infected, thus giving rise to sinusitis. This gives rise to symptoms like blockage and congestion of the nostrils, watery coryza, sneezing and possibly, a post-nasal drip. Sometimes nasal polyps may bleed. The ability to smell may be reduced (hyposmia) or lost (anosmia). There may be a loss of taste. The patient may also experience facial pain and itching in the eyes. Sometimes nasal polyps can lead to complications such as obstructive sleep apnea or meningitis. It also makes you more prone to developing sinusitis or flare-up of asthma.
Investigations
Assessment of the patient’s symptoms followed by a physical examination of the nose and related structures is adequate to make a diagnosis of nasal polyps. Occasionally a nasal endoscopy or a CT/MRI scan may be advised.
Treatment
Corticosteroids are used to shrink nasal polyps. They can be used in the form of a spray, tablet or injection. Medications are also prescribed for any underlying disease that may be present.
If these don’t work, the nasal polyps are removed by an endoscopic surgery.
