Nasal polyp

Nasal polyps are <a href="/facts/Benign_tumor/ssJPkY84">noncancerous growths</a> within the <a href="/facts/Nose/Kv0lv34S">nose</a> or <a href="/facts/Paranasal_sinus/ybG3rkBB">sinuses</a>. Symptoms include trouble breathing through the nose, <a href="/facts/Loss_of_smell/1XxX2R0h">loss of smell</a>, decreased taste, <a href="/facts/Post_nasal_drip/krbnMM0H">post nasal drip</a>, and a <a href="/facts/Runny_nose/DJxxlKqs">runny nose</a>. The growths are <a href="/facts/Polyp_(medicine)/BfUMvgSt">sac-like</a>, movable, and nontender, though face pain may occasionally occur. They typically occur in both nostrils in those who are affected. Complications may include <a href="/facts/Sinusitis/czg09cPT">sinusitis</a> and broadening of the nose.
The exact cause is unclear. They may be related to chronic <a href="/facts/Inflammation/Ura86MIy">inflammation</a> of the lining of the sinuses. They occur more commonly among people who have <a href="/facts/Allergies/dYAVosh8">allergies</a>, <a href="/facts/Cystic_fibrosis/tlNK5BAH">cystic fibrosis</a>, <a href="/facts/Aspirin_sensitivity/Uo429wys">aspirin sensitivity</a>, or certain infections. The polyp itself represents an overgrowth of the mucous membranes. Diagnosis may be accomplished by looking up the nose. A <a href="/facts/CT_scan/NusPJ2S8">CT scan</a> may be used to determine the number of polyps and help plan surgery.
Treatment is typically with <a href="/facts/Corticosteroids/jeL2QeIL">steroids</a>, often in the form of a <a href="/facts/Nasal_spray/zLm4BmWx">nasal spray</a>. If this is not effective, <a href="/facts/Surgery/fG8tWf5Y">surgery</a> may be considered. The condition often recurs following surgery; thus, continued use of a steroid nasal spray is often recommended. <a href="/facts/Antihistamine/HuMC25lt">Antihistamines</a> may help with symptoms but do not change the underlying disease. <a href="/facts/Antibiotics/sF1kIfxg">Antibiotics</a> are not required for treatment unless an infection occurs.
About 4% of people currently have nasal polyps while up to 40% of people develop them at some point in their life. They most often occur after the age of 20 and are more frequent in males than females. Nasal polyps have been described since the time of the <a href="/facts/Ancient_Egyptians/BDsEGK4g">Ancient Egyptians</a>.

Nasal polyp open-in-new

Nasal polyp