Highlights & Basics
- Nasal polyps are benign swellings of the paranasal sinus mucosa. Polyp tissue comprises a mixture of loose connective tissue, edema, inflammatory cells (mostly eosinophils), glandular cells, and capillaries. Polyps are usually covered with respiratory pseudostratified epithelium with ciliated cells and goblet cells.
- The etiology is unknown. Nasal polyps are invariably associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, and strongly associated with asthma.
- Symptoms are due to the size and location of the polyps and associated mucosal inflammation; they include nasal congestion and blockage, facial pressure, rhinorrhea, posterior nasal drip, and decreased sense of smell.
- It is important to distinguish nasal polyps from neoplastic lesions, particularly if symptoms are unilateral.
- Treatment options for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) include topical medications, principally intranasal corticosteroids, nasal irrigations, systemic medications including biologics, and surgery.
Quick Reference
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Citations
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Rimmer J, Fokkens W, Chong LY, et al. Surgical versus medical interventions for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(12):CD006991.[Abstract][Full Text]
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