What Are Sinus Polyps?

Nasal polyp (nasal polyp) is a hyperplastic tissue mass that proliferates on the nasal or sinus mucosa and protrudes from the surface of the nasal mucosa. Nasal obstruction or increased nasal secretions are common manifestations, with facial pain or swelling, and loss or loss of smell. It is a common nasal disease that occurs in adults and rarely in children. May be single or multiple, more common in the maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus, middle nasal passage, middle turbinate and so on.

Basic Information

nickname: Nasal hemorrhoids
English name: nasal polyps
Visiting department: ENT
Multiple groups: Adults

Common locations: Maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus, middle nasal passage, middle turbinate, etc.
Common causes: Tissue hyperplasia and edema caused by long-term inflammatory reaction of nasal mucosa
Common symptoms: Persistent nasal congestion, hyposmia, occlusive nasal sounds, sleep snoring

Causes of nasal polyps

1. Middle-nasal tract microenvironment theory

The microenvironment of the middle nasal passage is narrow and uneven, and turbulence is easily formed by inhaled airflow; ciliary function is weakened, and ciliary movement is impaired; The natural defense function of the middle nasal tract is weakened, and it is locally vulnerable to harmful factors, which creates conditions for the formation of nasal polyps.

2. Nasal allergies

Mast cells, eosinophils, and IgE-producing cells can be found in nasal polyp tissue, and the increase of IgE levels in the liquid indicates that local allergies have a role.

3. Eosinophilic inflammation

Nearly 90% of nasal polyps have more eosinophil infiltration, suggesting that nasal polyps are closely related to the increase of cells.

4. Bacteria superantigen theory

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the common symbiotic bacteria in the nasal cavity. Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin can directly activate a large number of Th2 cells, B cells, eosinophils and mast cells in the nasal mucosa of the middle nasal passage, synthesize and release a large number of proinflammatory cytokines, and aggravate the local inflammatory response in the middle nasal passage Promote the formation of polyps.

5. Genetics

The pathogenesis of nasal polyps is unclear, and some reports suggest that there may be potential effects of hereditary factors. Nasal polyps are usually familial, suggesting that there are genetic or environmental factors in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.

Clinical manifestations of nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are more bilateral and less unilateral. A common symptom is persistent nasal congestion, which increases with the size of the polyp. Nasal secretions increase, accompanied by sneezing, secretions can be serous, mucus, such as concurrent sinus infection, secretions can be purulent. More olfactory disorders. Those with severe nasal congestion have occlusive nasal speech and snoring during sleep. Elderly people with polyps can feel something in their nasal cavity moving with their breath. Posterior nostril polyps can cause difficulty in exhaling through the nose. If the polyps obstruct the mouth of the eustachian tube, it can cause tinnitus and hearing loss. Polyps obstruct sinus drainage, which can cause sinusitis, and the patient may experience pain and discomfort in the back of the nose, forehead and cheeks.

Nasal Polyps Examination

Rhinoscopy showed that there were one or more translucent masses like lychee in the nasal cavity with smooth, off-white, yellowish or reddish surfaces. It is soft to the touch, not painful, and difficult to bleed. Small polyps must be found with vasoconstrictor or nasal endoscopy. If the polyp is large and numerous, it can protrude forward to the front nostril. The front end is often stimulated by external air and dust, and it appears light red, and sometimes has ulcers and crusts on the surface. The backward development of nasal polyps can protrude into the posterior nostril and even the nasopharynx. Giant nasal polyps can cause deformation of the outer nose and widening of the back of the nose, forming a "frog nose". Thin serous or thick, purulent discharge can be seen in the nasal cavity.

Nasal polyps diagnosis

Diagnosis is not difficult based on medical history, symptoms, and tests.

Nasal Polyps Treatment

1. Small polyps can be controlled for growth through medication.

2. Functional endoscopic nasal and sinus surgery is performed in patients who fail to respond to drug treatment. Functional endoscopic surgery is better than nasal polypectomy.

3. Multiple or recurrent polyps are routinely treated.

Nasal polyps prevention

1. If you have a nasal disease, please go to the ear, nose and throat specialist in time.

2. Most of the diseases are secondary or complications of various rhinitis, so we should actively treat various primary rhinopathy.

3. The working and living environment should keep the air fresh.

4. Usually use less mint and borneol preparations in the nasal cavity.

5. Avoid spicy food, alcohol and other irritating food.

6. Nasal cleansing interventional therapy, usually using Chinese medicine nasal wash or fresh saline.

7. Nasal polyps take effective drugs, such as nasal spray hormones, to prevent the recurrence of some types of nasal polyps. Relapsed polyps sometimes must be treated with surgery again.