Nasal Polyps

Overview

• Definition
  • non-cancerous growth of tissue due to chronic inflammation
• Types
  • allergic polyps
    • affects adults with long history of allergies
  • NSAID-associated polyps
    • most commonly affects women with chronic pain conditions (e.g. fibromyalgia)
    • occurs because of ↑ activity of lipoxygenase pathway when cyclooxygenase pathway is blocked 
      • ↑ concentrations of bronchoconstricting leukotrienes
    • classic (Samter’s) triad:
      • NSAIDs or aspirin allergy
      • asthma
      • nasal polyp
  • cystic fibrosis-associated polyps
    • seen in children
      • if a child has a nasal polyp → get a sweat chloride test to assess for CF
    • hyper viscous mucus leads to chronic nasosinus infections