MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Nasal polyps

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Nasal polyps

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Throat anatomy

Nasal polyps

Definition Return to top

Nasal polyps are small, sac-like growths consisting of inflamed nasal mucosa.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Nasal polyps appear in a number of conditions. The polyps originate near the ethmoid sinuses (located at the top of the nose) and grow into the open areas. Large polyps can obstruct the airway.

Children with nasal polyps sound congested and often breathe through their mouths because of chronic nasal obstruction. A runny nose or infected nose is common.

Polyps are seen with asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), chronic sinus infections, and cystic fibrosis. About 1 in 4 people with cystic fibrosis have nasal polyps.

Symptoms Return to top

Nasal obstruction
Mouth breathing
Voice -- sounds as if person is congested

Having any of the following conditions indicate a susceptibility to nasal polyps:

Asthma
Hay fever
Sinus infections
Cystic fibrosis

Signs and tests Return to top

Nasal examination reveals a grayish grape-like mass within the nasal cavity.

Treatment Return to top

Surgery to remove the polyps is recommended.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Surgical removal usually allows easier breathing through the nose.

Complications Return to top

Infection
Bleeding

Nasal polyps may recur.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have persistent difficulty breathing through your nose.

Prevention Return to top

There is no known prevention.

Update Date: 2/5/2003

Updated by: Edward Chang, MD, DDS, Facial Reconstructive Surgical and Medical Center, Palo Alto California. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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