Nasal polyps

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Swelling of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses which can lead to the development rhinosinusitis

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

-Unknown
-Chronic inflammation
-Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
-Genetic predisposition
AFS- allergic fungal syndrome
CF
Chrug-strauss syndrome (vasculitis of people with a history of airway allergic hypersensitivity)
-Allergy (50%)
Allergic rhinitis
Asthma
Aspirin intolerance
Alcohol intolerance

Question 3

Symptoms

Answer 3

• Nasal blockage
• Rhinnorea
• Reduced sense of smell
• Posterior nasal drip

Question 4

Investigations

Answer 4

• Sweat test- for CF
• RAST test
• Nasal smear for eosinophils/ neutrophils
• Coronal CT- needs to be done prior to any surgery
• MRI scan
• Flexible nasendoscopy
• Rigid nasendoscopy

Question 5

Treatment

Answer 5

-Oral/nasal steroids : predinosole for 20 days + nasal steroids can reduce polyps by 50%
-Immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis or aspirin hypersensitivity patients
-Diet
-Surgery
Nasal polectomy
Microdebrider (equipment used)
Endoscopic sinus surgery

Question 6

Which occupation is at risk?

Answer 6

woodworkers