Nasal polyps are one of the commonest causes of nasal block. Nasal polyp is a teardrop shaped non cancerous growth in the inner nasal lining. Identified causes are chronic allergic rhinitis and cystic fibrosis. they are treated with various nasal medications and surgical methods. there is no relationship with colonic or uterine polyps.

 Nasal polyps occur more frequently in patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, allergic fungal sinusitis and in Churg-Strauss syndrome (rare disease with inflammation of the blood vessels). 

 Symptoms and signs

 Small nasal polyps usually do not cause symptoms. Larger nasal polyps may obstruct nasal passage and sinus openings. This causes breathing difficulties and infections in sinuses (Sinusitis). Sinuses can be infected because mucous accumulates inside the sinuses.

Since nasal polyps are associated with allergic rhinitis, symptoms that are common to both conditions are present in this disease.

 Common symptoms are a runny nose and nasal stiffness. some patients complain of a loss of sense of smell. This is due to blockage of the nasal passages that leads air to the smell receptors. Another symptom is loss of sense of taste. one component of the taste is sensation of smell. So losing the sensation of smell can leads to losing of taste as well. Once nasal polyps are treated, sensations of smell and taste will become normal.

 Another common symptom is facial pain and headache. This is caused by accumulation of mucous inside the sinuses. Another symptom is redness and itchiness around the eyes and nose. Frequent sneezing is another symptom many patients have. But some patients do not experience any symptom.

 Most of the above symptoms are common to common cold as well. if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks then patient should seek medical help. 

 what are the tests?

 Nasal endoscopy, allergen skin testing and sweat test for cystic fibrosis are the tests patient has to undergo.

 what is the treatment?

Usually nasal polyps are treated with nasal medications and surgery. Removal of risk factors is also important for long term benefit.

 Nasal medications

Nasal corticosteroids are useful in prevention and treatment of nasal polyps. Effective Nasal corticosteroids include fluticasone (Flonase, Veramyst), budesonide (Rhinocort), flunisolide (Nasarel, others), triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ) and beclomethasone (Beconase AQ).

 Other medications

 if nasal medications are not effective then the doctor will prescribe systemic steroids. the doctor will also prescribe antihistamines as well.

 these drugs reduce the inflammation of the nasal lining. they reduce the size and number of polyps as well.

If the drug therapy does not work, the doctor may recommend surgery.

These methods include polypectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery. Steroid nasal sprays are prescribed after surgery to prevent recurrence.

Learn more about this author, Manura Nanayakkara MBBS. Click here to send this author comments or questions.