Nasal polyps

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Throat anatomy

Nasal polyps

Definition:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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

Review Date: 10/25/2004
Reviewed By: Kevin Fung, M.D., FRCS(C), Department of Otolaryngology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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