Soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages

Aetiology

• Common (not in children)
• Equal sex distribution
• Often associated with non-allergic asthma
• Other causes include allergy, infection, aspirin sensitivity and nickel exposure
• If young consider cystic fibrosis

Pathophysiology

• Occur with inflammation and oedema of the sinus nasal mucosa
• This oedematous mucosa prolapses into the nasal caviity and can cause significant obstruction
• Histology: lined by respiratory or squamous epithelium, oedematous stroma containing mixed inflammatory cells +/- eosinophils

Clinical features

• Blocked nose
• Runny nose
• Reduced sense of taste or smell

Investigations

• Nasoendoscopy: polyps visible

Management

• Treat with oral then topical steroids