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In This Topic
Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Nose and Paranasal Sinus Disorders
Nasal Polyps
Treatment
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    Nasal Polyps

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    Nasal polyps are fleshy outgrowths of the nasal mucosa that form at the site of dependent edema in the lamina propria of the mucous membrane, usually around the ostia of the maxillary sinuses.

    Allergic rhinitis, acute and chronic infections, and cystic fibrosis all predispose to the formation of nasal polyps. Bleeding polyps occur in rhinosporidiosis. Unilateral polyps occasionally occur in association with or represent benign or malignant tumors of the nose or paranasal sinuses. They can also occur in response to a foreign body. Nasal polyps are strongly associated with aspirinSome Trade Names
    BUFFERIN
    ECOTRIN
    GENACOTE
    Click for Drug Monograph
    allergy, sinus infections, and asthma.

    Symptoms include obstruction and postnasal drainage, congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, anosmia, hyposmia, facial pain, and ocular itching.

    Diagnosis generally is based on physical examination. A developing polyp is teardrop-shaped; when mature, it resembles a peeled seedless grape.

    Photographs

    Nasal Polyp

    Nasal Polyp

    Treatment

    • Topical corticosteroid spray
    • Sometimes surgical removal

    Corticosteroids (eg, mometasone [30 μg/spray], beclomethasoneSome Trade Names
    BECLOVENT
    BECONASE
    Click for Drug Monograph
    [42 μg/spray], flunisolideSome Trade Names
    NASALIDE
    Click for Drug Monograph
    [25 μg/spray] aerosols), given as 1 or 2 sprays bid in each nasal cavity, may shrink or eliminate polyps, as may a 1-wk tapered course of oral corticosteroids. Surgical removal is still required in many cases. Polyps that obstruct the airway or promote sinusitis are removed, as are unilateral polyps that may be obscuring benign or malignant tumors. However, polyps tend to recur unless the underlying allergy or infection is controlled. After removal of nasal polyps, topical beclomethasoneSome Trade Names
    BECLOVENT
    BECONASE
    Click for Drug Monograph
    or flunisolideSome Trade Names
    NASALIDE
    Click for Drug Monograph
    therapy tends to retard recurrence. In severe recurrent cases, maxillary sinusotomy or ethmoidectomy may be indicated. These procedures are usually done endoscopically.

    Last full review/revision September 2012 by Marvin P. Fried, MD

    Content last modified November 2012

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