Nasal Polyps (Polyposis Nasi): Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease)

The pathogenesis of polyposis nasi is still largely unknown. The occurrence of nasal polyps is significantly characterized by inflammation associated with eosinophilic granulocytes. This is also reflected in the histology, which is associated with eosinophilia (65-90%) rather than neutrophilia (increase in the number of neutrophil granulocytes).

Different pathogenetic processes (e.g., due to aspirin sensitivity, cystic fibrosis) are thought to lead to different forms of nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps originate in the paranasal sinuses (lat. Sinus paranasales) and grow from there into the main nasal cavity (Cavum nasi proprium).

The ethmoid sinus (sinus sphenoidalis) and sphenoid sinus (sinus sphenoidalis) are particularly predisposed to the formation of polyps.

Note: Although nasal polyposis has been associated with allergic diseases (e.g., bronchial asthma), it is now believed that nasal polyps per se do not represent an allergic disease.

Etiology (Causes)

Biographic causes

  • Genetic predisposition through parents, grandparents to allergic disposition (e.g., bronchial asthma/intrinsic form) or to inflammatory processes

Disease-related causes

  • Allergic rhinitis (allergic rhinitis).
  • Chronic sinusitis* (sinusitis).
  • Immunodeficiency (immune deficiency)
  • Cystic fibrosis* (cystic fibrosis, ZF) – genetic disease with autosomal recessive inheritance, characterized by the production of excessively viscous secretions in various organs.
  • Septum deviation* (curvature of the nasal septum).
  • Ciliary dyskinesia – genetic dysfunction of ciliary-bearing cells, especially respiratory ciliated epithelium, characterized by chronic upper and lower respiratory tract disease.

* Promotion of inflammatory processes

Medication