Nasal Polyps

Overview

Nasal Polyps

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