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Nasal Polyps

Benign edematous outgrowths of the sinonasal mucosa associated with chronic inflammation.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps (NPs) are pedunculated, glistening, grape-like lesions of the sinonasal mucosa, predominantly originating from the ethmoid sinus and middle meatus. They are a hallmark of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), a type 2 inflammatory disorder characterized by eosinophilic infiltration, IL-4/IL-5/IL-13 cytokines and elevated IgE.

Pathophysiology involves epithelial barrier dysfunction, allergens, microbial dysbiosis and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin acting as superantigens. Polyps frequently coexist with asthma, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (Samter's triad) and atopic disease. Cystic fibrosis must be excluded in pediatric polyposis.

Symptoms include nasal obstruction, hyposmia/anosmia, postnasal drip, facial pressure, recurrent rhinosinusitis and reduced quality of life. Diagnosis is by endoscopy and CT paranasal sinuses showing bilateral mucosal thickening and polypoid disease. Differential diagnosis must rule out unilateral lesions (inverted papilloma, juvenile angiofibroma, malignancy).

Symptoms

Persistent bilateral nasal obstruction
Hyposmia or anosmia (often dominant)
Postnasal drip and chronic rhinorrhea
Facial pressure and headache
Recurrent acute exacerbations
Sleep-disordered breathing
Comorbid asthma and aspirin sensitivity

Risk Factors

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)
Asthma (especially severe)
Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
Atopic disease
Cystic fibrosis (in children)
Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
Granulomatous diseases (Churg-Strauss)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent obstruction and anosmia
  • Recurrent rhinosinusitis episodes
  • Asthma exacerbations linked to nasal symptoms
  • Failure of medical therapy
  • Unilateral polyp or red-flag symptoms

Treatment Methods

01
Intranasal corticosteroid sprays (high-dose, long-term)
02
Saline nasal irrigation with budesonide
03
Short-course oral corticosteroids for exacerbations
04
Biologic therapy (dupilumab, omalizumab, mepolizumab) in eligible patients
05
Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for refractory disease
06
Postoperative steroid maintenance to prevent recurrence
07
Aspirin desensitization in AERD
08
Asthma optimization and allergy management
09
Long-term ENT follow-up with endoscopy

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.