Nasal polyps
Symptoms and causes
Symptoms and causesWhat is it?
Nasal polyps are benign tumours of the nasal mucosa.
Origin
They originate from the ethmoidal sinuses. Those are the sinuses located between your eyes. Nasal polyps can cause problems such as:
- nasal congestion
- reduced or loss of smell
- headache
- feeling of pressure
- chronic or acute sinusitis due to a an impediment of the normal drainage of nasal secretions
It is not yet known what causes nasal polyps. Nasal polyps can be associated with certain risk factors such as:
- the presence of asthma
- intolerance to Aspirin
- mucoviscidosis (cystic fibrosis)
- primary ciliary dyskinesia
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and treatmentThe physician will examine your nose using a headlamp and endoscope (a scope to examine the inner nose). Sometimes additional testing is necessary, such as:
- an inhalation test
- allergy testing
- medical imaging (CT scan)
- ...
The treatment consists primarily of nasal sprays and local cortisone sprays. These can be used long term, without dependency or signficant reabsorption in the blood stream. Cortisone pills or antibiotics may also prescribed. For serious, recurrent or treatment-resistent nasal polyps, it is sometimes necessary to remove them. (FESS: functional endoscopic sinus surgery)
The term 'nasal polyps' is frequently used to refer to the 'nasal tonsils' (adenoids). The adenoids play a role in the immune system of very young children. The adenoids are located at the juncture where the nose and the throat meet, and they have nothing to do with nasal polyps that may be in the nasal sinuses.
Treatment centres and specialisations
Treatment centres and specialisations
Latest publication date: 19/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith
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Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith
