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| Definition: |
Small, sac-like growths consisting of inflamed nasal mucosa.
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
Nasal polyps appear in a number of conditions. The polyps originate near the ethmoid sinuses (located at the top of the nose) and grow into the open areas. Large polyps can obstruct the airway. Children with nasal polyps sound congested and are often mandatory mouth breathers because of chronicnasal obstruction. A runny nose or infected nose is common.
Polyps are seen with asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), chronic sinus infections, and cystic fibrosis. About 1 out of 4 people with cystic fibrosis have nasal polyps. |
| Symptoms: |
- a history of
- voice sounds as if individual is stuffy
- nasal obstruction
- mouth breathing
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| Signs and tests: |
| Nasal examination reveals a grayish grape-like mass within the nasal cavity. |
| Treatment: |
| Surgery to remove the polyps is recommended. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Surgical removal usually allows easier breathing through the nose. |
| Complications: |
- nasal polyps may recur.
- infection
- bleeding
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call for an appointment with your health care provider if there is a persistent difficulty breathing through the nose. |
| Prevention: |
| There is no known prevention. |
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Review Date: 8/21/2001
Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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