Synonyms in a broader sense
Medical: Polyposis nasi nasal polyps
Definition
The popularly named polyps are swollen, bilateral enlargements (hyperplasia) of the nasal mucosa or the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses. They are called polyps because the enlargement of the mucosa looks like a fungus on a tree trunk. The enlargement of the mucous membrane usually starts from the maxillary sinus or ethmoidal sinus and grows towards the middle nasal passage.
The nasal passages can be almost completely closed in the case of pronounced growth. The exits (ostia) of the paranasal sinuses located there can be affected by the nasal polyps and almost completely closed. The quality of life can be considerably reduced by polyps.
Causes
There are various causes that stimulate increased growth of the mucous membranes. First of all, children suffer from chronic rhinitis and sinusitis (chronic colds) and sinusitis (chronic sinusitis). Other pathogens such as fungi (mycoses), which appear in dusty, warm air, can also promote polyps. In allergy sufferers, pollen and other allergens also stimulate mucous membrane growth.
Symptoms
It is not uncommon for children, in particular, to suffer from obstructed nasal breathing and a conspicuous nasal voice after having suffered several colds (rhinitis). At some point, parents notice their child’s mouth always open. Even at night the mouth must remain open for breathing, snoring begins, sleeps less well and is limited in its performance during the day.
Children then often suffer from lack of concentration and stand out because of their school weaknesses. Constant mouth breathing more often leads to infections of the throat (pharyngitis), palatine tonsils (tonsillitis) and bronchial tubes (bronchitis). These infections can in turn lead to inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media), especially in children via the still short ear trumpet (Tuba Eustachii). A permanent obstruction of the nasal passage reduces the ability to smell (hyposmia) and also promotes increased secretion production (mucus) of the nasal mucosa.
Diagnosis
Since the above mentioned symptoms can also have other causes, the ENT physician looks into the nasal cavities with a special device (endoscope) and searches for the exits of the paranasal sinuses. Here he looks for the origin of the polyps. In addition, an imaging procedure (CT, computer tomography) can make the nasal polyps visible.