Nasal Polyps

See Rhinitis, Sinusitis & Rhinosinusitis for the fuller chronic rhinosinusitis management framework.

Condition

Round, soft, pale, pedunculated outgrowths arising from the nasal or sinus mucosa — described by some as bags of water”. “Occur in patients with all types of rhinitis, but especially allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms: nasal obstruction, watery discharge, postnasal drip, loss of smell.

Red flags: Consider cystic fibrosis in any child with nasal polyps. A polyp lacking the typical smooth, pale appearance may be malignant; a unilateral polyp may be a neoplasm.

Management

Consider a course of oral steroids if causing significant symptoms — e.g. prednisolone 25mg daily for 5 days then 12.5mg daily for 5 days. Use nasal corticosteroids for 3 months. Refer to ENT for polypectomy.