Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are a common type of polyp disease. Nasal polyps mainly occur in adults, are quite harmful, and have a variety of causative factors. When you find symptoms of suspected nasal polyps, you should go to the hospital for examination in time. Although most of them are benign, a small number are malignant. You must take them seriously and take active precautions to avoid greater harm.

Causes

1. Middle nasal meatus microenvironment theory

The microenvironment of the middle nasal meatus is narrow and uneven, and the inhaled airflow is easily turbulent here; the ciliary function is weakened and the ciliary activity is impaired; the blood flow of the middle nasal meatus mucosa is significantly reduced compared with other parts of the nose. The natural defense function of the middle nasal cavity is weakened, and the local area is susceptible to damage by harmful factors, creating conditions for the formation of nasal polyps.

2. Nasal allergy

A large number of mast cells, eosinophils and IgE-producing cells can be found in nasal polyp tissue, and the IgE level in the fluid is increased, suggesting that local allergy has a certain role.

3. Eosinophilic inflammation

Nearly 90% of nasal polyp tissues have a large number of eosinophil infiltrations, suggesting that nasal polyps are closely related to the increase of these cells.

4. Bacterial 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 meatus, causing them to synthesize and release a large number of proinflammatory cytokines, aggravating the local inflammatory response in the middle nasal meatus and promoting the formation of polyps.

5. Genetics

The pathogenesis of nasal polyps is still unclear, but some reports suggest that genetic factors may play a potential role. Nasal polyps are usually familial, suggesting that genetic or environmental factors may play a role in the occurrence of nasal polyps.

Clinical manifestations

Nasal polyps are more common on both sides and less common on one side. A common symptom is persistent nasal congestion, which worsens as the polyp grows. The nasal secretions increase, sometimes accompanied by sneezing. The secretions may be serous or mucous. If there is a concurrent sinus infection, the secretions may be purulent. Many people have olfactory impairment. People with severe nasal congestion speak with a nasal voice and snore during sleep. People with long polyp pedicles may feel something moving in their nasal cavity with breathing. Posterior nasal polyps can make it difficult to breathe through the nose. If the polyps block the opening of the Eustachian tube, it can cause tinnitus and hearing loss. Polyps block sinus drainage and can cause sinusitis, causing patients to experience pain and discomfort in the nasal dorsum, forehead, and cheeks.

treat

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

2. For those who fail to respond to drug treatment, functional endoscopic nasal sinus surgery should be performed. The effect of functional endoscopic surgery is better than that of nasal polypectomy.

3. Multiple or recurrent polyps are treated with conventional surgery.