Nasal Polyps

Question 1

What makes up polyps?

Answer 1

A mixture of loose connective tissue, oedema , inflammatory cells, glandular cells and capillaries

Question 2

What are nasal polyps?

Answer 2

Benign swellings of the mucosal lining of the paranasal sinuses

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of nasal polyps?

Answer 3

Chronic mucosal inflammation causes swelling

Question 4

What are risk factors for developing nasal polyps?

Answer 4

Asthma
Allergic rhinitis
Chronic sinusitis
Churg-strauss syndrome

Question 5

What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Answer 5

Nasal blockage
Watery rhinorrhoea 
Post-nasal drip 
Loss of smell 
Facial pain

Question 6

How are nasal polyps investigated?

Answer 6

Anterior rhinoscopy
- visulaise polyps

Nasal endoscopy

Question 7

What is the normal appearance of nasal polyps?

Answer 7

Smooth
Pale
Bilateral
Arise from middle meatus + turbinates

Question 8

What are red flag features of polyps?

Answer 8

Unilateral
Ulcerating
Bleeding

Question 9

How are nasal polyps managed?

Answer 9

Intranasal corticosteroid for 1 month

Question 10

What follow is given to patients with nasal polyps?

Answer 10

Reviewed at one month - continue for further 3 months if working