Nasal polyps

Symptoms and causes

What is it?

Nasal polyps are benign swellings of the nasal mucosa.

Origin

They usually arise from the ethmoidal sinuses. These are the sinuses located between the eyes. Nasal polyps can cause symptoms of:

nasal congestion
decreased or absent sense of smell
headache
feeling of pressure
chronic or acute sinusitis due to obstruction of the normal drainage of nasal secretions

The cause of nasal polyps is still not fully known to date. Nasal polyps may, however, be associated with certain risk factors such as:

presence of asthma
intolerance to aspirin
cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis)
primary ciliary dyskinesia

Diagnosis and treatment

The doctor will inspect your nose using a head lamp and endoscope (viewing tube to inspect the internal nose). Sometimes additional tests are necessary such as:

nasal breathing test
allergy tests
imaging (CT scanner)
...

Treatment initially consists of nasal rinses and topical cortisone nasal sprays. These can be used long-term without dependence and without significant resorption in the bloodstream. In addition, cortisone pills or antibiotics may be prescribed. In severe, recurrent or therapy-resistant nasal polyps, it is sometimes necessary to remove the nasal polyps.(FESS: functional endoscopic sinus sanitisation)

The term 'nasal polyps' is often misused to refer to the 'nasal tonsil (=adenoid)'. The nasal tonsil plays a role in the immune system in very young children and lies at the transition from the nose to the throat. In addition, it has nothing to do with the nasal polyps that can be found in the sinuses.

Treatment centres and specialisations

Ear, nose, and throat diseases (ENT)

ENT, otorhinolaryngology, ORL

Latest publication date: 23/12/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith

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Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith