What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Antrochoanal Polyps
• Ethmoidal Polyps
• Nasal Polyposis

What is Nasal Polyps? (Definition/Background Information)

• Nasal Polyps are softball-shaped and typically benign growths found on the inside of the nose or sinuses. These painless growths are commonly observed in adults
• The exact cause of development of Nasal Polyps is not well-understood. The major risks factors include an increased exposure to allergens and certain conditions that cause difficulty in breathing
• The signs and symptoms of Nasal Polyps include runny nose, congestion, headaches, sinus pressure, nasal drainage, among others. Some individuals may lose the ability of smell and taste and have difficulty breathing
• In order to diagnose Nasal Polyps, a healthcare provider may undertake a CT scan of the sinuses or a nasal endoscopy. Additional tests may be necessary to diagnose the underlying condition, if any causing Nasal Polyps
• Antibiotics, nasal sprays, and antiallergic medications may be given to treat Nasal Polyps depending on the underlying cause of the condition. If required, these polyps may be surgically removed; although, recurrences have been noted
• Some of the measures to prevent Nasal Polyps include decreasing the risk of nasal infections and controlling allergy and asthma complications

Who gets Nasal Polyps? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Nasal Polyps are observed in both children and adults; most cases are diagnosed in adults, usually in young adulthood and middle-age in the 20-50 years’ age range
• Worldwide, they may be present in any individual, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity

What are the Risk Factors for Nasal Polyps? (Predisposing Factors)

Any factor or condition that can cause a swelling in the nose or sinuses may be a risk factor for Nasal Polyps. The risk factors may include:

• Exposure to certain allergens; asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Cystic fibrosis, since in this condition, the mucus is thick in the nasal and sinus membranes. Over 85% of the individuals with cystic fibrosis present Nasal Polyps
• Churg-Strauss syndrome that causes inflammation of the blood vessels
• Any airway or breathing conditions such as asthma or allergies
• Recurrent sinus or nasal infection
• Vitamin D deficiencies
• Drug-sensitivity caused by certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
• Aspirin sensitivity: Individuals that do not tolerate aspirin well are also prone to developing Nasal Polyps
• A family history of Nasal Polyps elevates one’s risk for the same

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Nasal Polyps? (Etiology)

The exact cause of development of Nasal Polyps is not well-understood. Prolonged irritation and inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to an underlying condition, such as allergy or sinus infection, can result in the formation of Nasal Polyps.

• There is evidence that people with inflammatory conditions of the nose, either from an immune response to an allergen or due to respiratory problems, are known to develop Nasal Polyps in comparison to individuals who do not have the above conditions
• Also, the components of the mucous membrane play a role in the development of these polyps

Not all individuals with the risk factors or chronic allergic conditions are known to develop these polyps.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?

Nasal Polyps appear as small tissue pieces dropping down from the nasal or sinus linings (mucus covered membranes). Small polyps may not present any significant symptoms. Most polyps form near the region where sinuses drain from the eyes, cheekbones, and nose.

In general, the signs and symptoms of Nasal Polyps may include:

• Runny nose; watery nose
• Loss of taste
• Itching around one’s eyes
• Pain in the face
• Feeling irritation in the nose
• Inflammation of the nose and sinuses
• Headaches, especially if there is an associated allergic condition or infection
• Stiffness or rigidity in the nose
• Snoring
• Sinus pressure
• Sneezing
• Feeling of clogged nose; nasal congestion is usually present
• Decreased sense of smell
• The presence of multiple polyps clustered together may affect breathing and/or cause congestion due to blocked nasal passage
• Typically, both the left and right nasal and sinus cavities develop these polyps

How is Nasal Polyps Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Nasal Polyps may involve the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical examination and evaluation of medical history
• ENT examination
• Plain X-ray of the head
• CT scan of the sinuses 
• Nasal endoscopy
• Certain allergy tests such as skin prick test or antibodies blood test
• Vitamin D blood level test
• Tests to exclude conditions such as cystic fibrosis
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. A biopsy is performed to rule out other similar conditions

Note: A tissue biopsy is normally not necessary to diagnose Nasal Polyps. However, polyps that are confined to one side (left or right nasal passage) may need to be closely evaluated to exclude certain benign and malignant tumor types.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Nasal Polyps?

The complications of Nasal Polyps may include:

• The polyps can get infected; the infection can spread to other regions, or even become chronic
• Nose bleeding
• Severe asthma from chronic sinusitis
• Obstructive sleep apnea: The condition may lead to difficulty breathing during sleep
• Meningitis, or an inflammation of the lining of the brain
• Chronic sinus infections or sinusitis
• Permanent loss of partial smell sense
• Recurrence of the polyps after treatment (recurrent Nasal Polyps)
• Nose bleeding or infection after surgery

How is Nasal Polyps Treated?

It is important to treat the underlying condition causing Nasal Polyps. Prior to surgery being considered, certain medications may be administered to shrink the polyps and/or eliminate them.

Based on a healthcare provider’s evaluation, the treatment of Nasal Polyps may involve the following measures:

• Antibiotics to treat infections of the nasal cavity
• Anti-allergic medications to treat allergies
• Corticosteroids, to help reduce inflammation; these may be in the form of oral medications, sprays, or injections
• Use of nasal sprays to clear the nasal airways
• Nasal steroid sprays can be used decrease the size and prevalence of the polyps 
• Drainage or removal of nasal mucous
• If required, a polypectomy or an endoscopic sinus surgery may be performed to remove the polyps

When medications and invasive treatments are not helpful, certain biologic drugs may be considered.

How can Nasal Polyps be Prevented?

The following preventative measures may be considered for Nasal Polyps:

• Protecting oneself from infection through correct handwashing techniques
• Using humidifiers to prevent nasal clogging
• Avoiding factors that may cause irritation of the nose or nasal sinuses
• Taking steps to properly manage asthma and allergies
• Regularly using a nasal rinse with saltwater to clear nasal passages, particularly if there is a higher risk for Nasal Polyps
• Use of antihistamines to control allergic reactions 
• Avoiding factors that may cause a blockage of the nasal passage
• Quitting smoking

What is the Prognosis of Nasal Polyps? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Nasal Polyps is generally good with adequate treatment, including surgery. This can also help address the various symptoms and complications that may arise
• However, in some individuals, Nasal Polyps are known to recur even after treatment; a recurrence rate of 15% is reported

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Nasal Polyps:

The following link is a useful resource for information on other Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) articles:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/ent-center/