NASAL POLYPS

General Information

DEFINITION--Non-malignant growths in the nasal cavities, usually in both sides of the nose. They sometimes grow large and numerous enough to cause nasal distension and enlargement of the bony framework.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Nasal mucous membranes.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Obstruction of air through the nose (chronic "stuffy-nose" feeling).
• Impaired sense of smell.
• Feelings of fullness in the face.
• Nasal discharge (sometimes).
• Facial pain (sometimes).
• Headaches (sometimes).

CAUSES--Chronic infection or allergy in the nose (allergic rhinitis) that causes the nasal mucous membranes to swell and produce excess fluid in the nasal cells.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Sinusitis or chronic nasal infection.

HOW TO PREVENT--Obtain medical treatment for the underlying allergy. Consult your doctor about allergy testing and desensitizing procedures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the sinuses and examination with a nasal speculum.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care (only if surgery cannot be performed).
• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery (a minor procedure) is often required to remove polyps (under local anesthesia).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Repeated infections.
• Nosebleeds.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Symptoms can be controlled with treatment (usually surgery). Recurrence is common, even with surgical treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• If nosebleeds occur, see treatment described under Nosebleed (in Illness section).
• For information about surgery and postoperative care, see Nasal Polyp Removal in surgery section.

MEDICATION--

• For minor pain, you may use acetaminophen. Avoid aspirin, which may increase the tendency to bleed and may cause an allergic reaction.
• Your doctor may prescribe cortisone drugs or cromolyn in nasal spray or oral form for a short while before surgery to shrink the polyps.
• Caution: Don't use over-the-counter nasal sprays.

ACTIVITY--Resume your normal activities gradually after surgery.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of nasal polyps.
• The following occurs during treatment: Nosebleeds that cannot be stopped. Fever. Pain that persists despite the use of acetaminophen.