Definition

A nasal polypus is an abnormal swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose and sinuses.

It is of two types:

1) Simple or Mucous Polypus

According to aetiology, they are of the following types:

• Allergic
• Vasomotor
• Inflammatory
• Mixed

2) Neoplastic Polypus

They are divided in two groups:

• Heredity
• Benign
• Malignant

Simple or Mucous Polypus Actiology

• Infection of the nose and sinuses. Nasal allergy.
• Gravity
• Other nasal defects e.g. DNS.
• Heredity
• Age (more common in adults)
• Sex (more common in females)
• Shape of the nose i.e. Narrow nose.

These polypi arise usually from the ethmoid cells, middle meatus and middle turbinal and then comes down to the cavity of the nose.

Symptoms

• Nasal obstruction
• Nasal discharge
• Anosmia
• Headache
• Speech defect
• Miscellaneous i.e. broad nose, conductive deafness, etc.