Nasal polyposis
Nasal polyps are benign, painless growths that develop within the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. While small polyps may go unnoticed, larger or clustered polyps can obstruct airflow, reduce sense of smell, and increase the risk of recurrent infections. Early identification and targeted treatment can help improve patient outcomes.
How common is nasal polyposis?
Up to 40% of the general population develop nasal polyps, with men affected at twice the rate of women. Onset typically occurs between ages 30 and 50, and risk increases with age.
What are the symptoms of nasal polyposis?
Patients with nasal polyps often present with nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, hyposmia or anosmia, and snoring. If polyps block sinus drainage, symptoms of sinusitis may also develop.
What causes nasal polyposis?
The underlying cause of nasal polyposis remains unknown, but chronic inflammation in the nasal or sinus mucosa plays a central role. Risk is higher in individuals with asthma, aspirin sensitivity, cystic fibrosis, dental infections, vitamin D deficiency, or a family history of nasal polyps.
How is nasal polyposis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of nasal polyposis typically involves nasal endoscopy, imaging studies, allergy testing, sweat testing for cystic fibrosis in children, and blood tests to identify associated allergic or immunologic conditions.
What are the treatments for nasal polyposis?
Treatment for nasal polyposis focuses on reducing inflammation and improving patient quality of life. Options include:
- Intranasal and systemic corticosteroids
- Biologic therapies
- Surgical removal
- Aspirin desensitization
- Antibiotics when infection is present
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References
- del Toro E, Portela J. Nasal Polyps. 2020. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. PMID: 32809581. Accessed March 8, 2021.
- Castillo Vizuete JA, Sastre J, Del Cuvillo Bernal A, Picado C, Martínez Moragón E, Ignacio García JM et al. Asthma, rhinitis, and nasal polyp multimorbidities. Arch Bronconeumol. 2019;55(3):146–155.
- Bachert C, Zhang N, Cavaliere C, Weiping W, Gevaert E, Krysko O. Biologics for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;145(3):725–739.
- Ta NH. Will we ever cure nasal polyps? Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2019;101(1):35–39.