Synonyms in a broader sense
Medical: Polyposis nasi nasal polyps
Introduction
Nasal polyps (Polyposis nasi, nasal polyps) are benign growths of the mucous membrane of the nose or paranasal sinuses. These changes are usually accompanied by restricted nasal breathing and can lead to secondary diseases if left untreated. However, since early diagnosis and a good therapy are usually possible, polyps of the nose almost always take a favorable course.
Swollen pharyngeal tonsils, colloquially also often called “polyps“, are not real polyps of the nose. The term “polyp” describes an elevation of the mucous membrane (mucosa) that is visible to the naked eye (macroscopically). In principle, polyps can be benign or malignant and can occur, for example, in the paranasal sinuses, intestines, stomach or uterus. In total, up to 12% of the entire population suffer from nasal polyps, with men being affected slightly more frequently than women. Incidentally, polyps of the nose occur most frequently around the age of 30.
Causes
Several triggers for polyps of the nose are known, but why some people with existing risk factors ultimately develop polyps and others do not, is not yet conclusively clarified. Especially when polyps develop in children, they are often caused by a metabolic disease called cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis). More rarely, primary ciliary dyskinesia, a functional disorder of the cilia of the mucosal cells, is also present.
- Chronic sinusitis: The most common type of sinusitis is polyps of the nose, which are caused by chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. As a result, the mucous membrane is permanently irritated and reacts to this by storing tissue fluid and consequently swelling.
- Allergies (dust mite allergy or hay fever)
- Chronic fungal infections
- Hereditary predisposition: In addition, there seems to be a certain hereditary predisposition for the development of nasal polyps.
- Bronchial AsthmaAsthma
- Painkillers (especially aspirin, but also ibuprofen or diclofenac)
