Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths arising from inflamed mucosa in the nasal passages or sinuses. They can obstruct airflow and impair smell.
Chronic rhinosinusitis: Persistent inflammation of the nasal and sinus lining, often accompanied by nasal obstruction or discharge. Nasal polyps commonly develop within this chronic inflammatory condition.
Nasal endoscopy: Examination of the nasal cavity with a thin endoscope to view its lining and openings. It lets clinicians directly identify and assess nasal polyps.
Antrochoanal polyp: A usually solitary benign polyp arising in the maxillary sinus and extending toward the choana. Its typical one-sided growth differs from the multiple polyps of chronic inflammatory disease.
Asthma: A chronic airway disease involving variable airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Asthma frequently coexists with nasal polyps, especially in severe inflammatory disease.
Type 2 inflammation: An immune response involving signals such as interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-13. This inflammatory pattern drives many cases of polyp growth and recurrence.
Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses: Cross-sectional imaging used to evaluate sinus anatomy, opacification, and disease extent. It maps sinus involvement when symptoms are persistent or surgery is considered.
Inverted papilloma: A locally aggressive sinonasal epithelial tumor with a risk of recurrence and association with malignancy. A unilateral mass may resemble a polyp but requires distinction because its behavior differs.
Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: A condition combining asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and respiratory reactions to aspirin or other COX-1 inhibitors. This recognizable combination changes medication choices and signals a higher risk of recurrence.
Eosinophil: A white blood cell involved in allergic responses, parasite defense, and some forms of tissue inflammation. Eosinophil-rich inflammation is common in nasal polyps and can predict persistent disease.
Intranasal corticosteroid: A corticosteroid medicine delivered as a spray or drops into the nose to reduce local inflammation. It is a common first-line treatment for reducing symptoms and polyp size.