NASAL POLYPS

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General Illness Information

Common Name:

Nasal Polyps

Medical Term:

Description:

Benign growths in the nasal cavities, usually in both sides of the nose.

They sometimes grow large and numerous enough to cause nasal obstruction.

They are more common in adults than in children.

Causes:

Chronic inflammation or allergy in the nose (allergic rhinitis) that causes the nasal mucous membranes to swell and produce excess fluid in the nasal cells.

Prevention:

Treat the underlying allergic condition.

Signs & Symptoms

	Obstruction of air through the nose (chronic "stuffy-nose" feeling).
	Impaired sense of smell.
	Feeling of fullness in the face
	Nasal discharge (occasionally)
	Facial pain (sometimes).
	Headaches (sometimes).
	Recurrent sinus infections.

Risk Factors

	Sinusitis or chronic nasal infection.
	Allergic conditions causing nasal symptoms.

Diagnosis & Treatment

A small little description of the diagnosis in paragraph/sentence form. If this is not applicable then delete the cell.
General Measures:
	Diagnostic tests may include X-rays of the sinuses, CT scans, examination with a nasal speculum, and endoscopy
	Medication may reduce the polyps.
	Minor surgery is often required to remove polyps. This is usually performed under local anesthetic . However, recurrences are common.

Medications:
	Nasal sprays containing cortisone. These are effective in many cases.
	Acetaminophen for pain.
	Treat underlying allergic condition, if any.
	Exercise caution with over the counter nasal sprays.

Activity:
No restriction

Diet:
	No restriction.

Possible Complications :
	Recurrent infections.
	Recurrent nosebleeds.

Prognosis

Excellent. Can be well controlled either with medication or surgery.

Recurrence after surgery is common.

Other

Nothing specified.