Most commonly, obstruction of the nasal cavity usually present with symptoms such as nasal congestion, stuffy feeling, fullness, or blockage in the cavity. Patient may have difficulty sleeping as the inferior turbinate bone may protrude into the air passage when sleeping in supine position. Poor quality of sleep may be caused primarily by nasal obstruction other than other sleeping disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea [6]. Contralateral sleeping position often increases nasal obstruction, therefore, patient sometimes report sleeping on one side of the body. Also, patient may complain of difficulties in breathing if either or both of the nasal cavity is affected.

Other symptoms that is suggestive of underlying nasal obstruction may be seen. In rhinosinusitis, common symptoms such as facial congestion (fullness), pain or pressure. Also, there may be dysosmia (parosmia or phantosmia), rhinorrhea, nasal discharge, cough, itchy conjunctivitis, sneezing and throat irritation or itching. Various factors affect the subsidence of underlying symptoms of nasal etiology over a period of time. This include, body postural state, seasonal change, and environmental stimulants such as allergens.

The pathophysiology of nasal obstruction is not easy to predict depending on the etiology of the disease. Structural defects (e.g deviated nasal septum (DNS) or hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate) gradually becomes more severe with time. Abnormal changes on the mucosa particularly those initiated by seasonal allergies or harmful stimulants, varies depending on the onset of duration and severity of the condition [7].

Most often, the severity of nasal obstruction following clinical investigations such as acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow, and rhinomanometry, usually contradict patient evaluation of the disease condition. For example, a minor difference in nasal patency during assessment could produce severe symptoms in the affected patient.

• Recurrent Sinusitis

  sinuses, 2. ethmoid sinuses (ethmoidal air cells), 3. sphenoid sinuses, 4. maxillary sinuses Pathophysiology[edit] The true cause of nasal polyps is unknown, but they are thought to be due to recurrent infection or inflammation.[2] Polyps arise from the [en.wikipedia.org]

• Malaise

  […] discharge that is a common symptom of a sinus infection.[16] Chronic[edit] Symptoms may include any combination of: nasal congestion, facial pain, headache, night-time coughing, an increase in previously minor or controlled asthma symptoms, general malaise [en.wikipedia.org]

• Nasal Congestion

  Symptoms are due to the size and location of the polyps and associated mucosal inflammation; they include nasal congestion and blockage, rhinorrhoea, posterior nasal drip, and decreased sense of smell. [bestpractice.bmj.com]

  nasal obstruction nasal mucus nasalised nasal discharge nasal congestion nasal septum nasal spray nascent Nason nasopharynx Nasser [wordhippo.com]

  Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a chronic disease of the upper airway that obstructs the sinuses and nasal passages and can lead to breathing difficulties, nasal congestion and discharge, reduced or loss of smell and taste, and facial pressure [ajmc.com]

  Symptoms include nasal obstruction, nasal congestion, nasal drainage, loss of smell and taste, and facial pain and pressure. [health.harvard.edu]

• Snoring

  Sometimes nasal polyps can make snoring severe enough to tip a patient who snores over to sleep apnea – which has a substantial effect on patients. [uofmhealth.org]

  Symptoms include postnasal drainage, snoring, headaches, sinusitis, and a reduced sense of smell and taste. Therapy can include oral and topical steroid medications or surgical removal. [medicinenet.com]

  Your Allergist can determine if the new therapy will work for you with hands-on in-office demonstration and training, Symptoms of nasal polyps include nasal congestion, nasal block, snoring, poor smell, frequent or chronic sinus infections, and runny [allergypartners.com]

  The symptoms of nasal polyps include the following: Runny nose or stuffy nose Postnasal drip Lost or weakened sense of smell and taste Headache Sinus pressure Snoring at night Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information enews More health [my.clevelandclinic.org]

• Anosmia

  They present with nasal obstruction, anosmia, rhinorrhoea, post nasal drip, and less commonly facial pain. Clinical examination reveals single or multiple grey polypoid masses in the nasal cavity. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  ConclusionZZECRS and preoperative olfactory function status (anosmia) could be predictablefactors of postoperative olfactory function. [dbpia.co.kr]

  Nasal polyps are strongly associated with Aspirin allergy Symptoms include obstruction and postnasal drainage, congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, anosmia, hyposmia, facial pain, and ocular itching. [merckmanuals.com]

• Hyposmia

  Chronic rhinosinusitis is diagnosed by the presence of two or more of the following factors facial congestion/fullness, nasal obstruction, nasal discharge or discolored post nasal drainage, hyposmia/anosmia or one major and two of the following minor [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Nasal polyps are strongly associated with Aspirin allergy Symptoms include obstruction and postnasal drainage, congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, anosmia, hyposmia, facial pain, and ocular itching. [merckmanuals.com]

  Clinically, the presence of polyps in chronic sinusitis patients is a marker for greater burden of sinus disease, hyposmia/anosmia, NSAID sensitivity and asthma. [cityallergy.com]

• Common Cold

  With any luck, your next sniffle will just be the result of a common cold. by Deanna Pai If you’re in Southern California and are concerned about nasal polyps, make an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists at Keck Medicine of USC. [keckmedicine.org]

  Bass III, MD, MPH When your nose just runs and runs, staying congested for weeks at a time, you're probably dealing with a more serious nasal condition than the common cold. [everydayhealth.com]

  Symptoms of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps are similar to those of many other conditions, including the common cold. [mayoclinic.com]

  Unfortunately, these symptoms are shared by several other conditions, such as the common cold, flu and allergies. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

• Overeating

  The clinical course has been completely benign since surgery for over two years. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  A polyp develops when the mucus membranes in the nose or sinuses become inflamed and swell over a long period of time. [my.clevelandclinic.org]

  Onset can be gradual over several years or over a few months. They also suffer from nasal drainage and post-nasal drip. They may also experience facial pressure. Another bothersome symptom is decreased sense of smell and taste. [utswmed.org]

• Constipation

  मिर्गी, नींद, चक्कर आना, लकवा, कोमा, खर्राटे, पार्किंसंस रोग, डॉकन्स सिंड्रोम, बेलस्पैसी, सेरेब्रल पाल्सी, अल्जाइमर रोग, मल्टीपल स्केलेरोसिस, ब्रेन ट्यूमर DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Piles, Anal Fissure, Anal Fistula, Ibs, constipation, Dysentery, Diarrhea, Ulcerative [drbhaveshbisen.business.site]

  Diverticulosis Large and/or small Enterocolitis ( Necrotizing ) - IBD ( داء كرون ) vascular : Abdominal angina - Mesenteric ischemia - Angiodysplasia Bowel obstruction : انسداد امعاء Ileus - انغلاف|انغلاف Intussusception - Volvulus - انحشاربرازي Fecal impaction Constipation [marefa.org]

• Mouth Breathing

  This may lead to mouth breathing, especially in children. [sinus-pro.com]

  Frequent symptoms of nasal polyps include: Sinusitis Nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing Thick, discolored nasal drainage Reoccurring sinus infections Lost or diminished sense of smell and taste Itchy, watery eyes Facial pain Mouth breathing Dull [jaxallergy.com]

  Symptoms may include: Mouth breathing A runny nose Constant stuffiness Loss or reduction of sense of smell or taste Dull headaches Snoring Frequent nosebleeds Diagnosis You will be referred to a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating nasal [winchesterhospital.org]

  Symptoms may include: Mouth breathing A runny nose Constant stuffiness Loss or reduction of sense of smell or taste Dull headaches Snoring Frequent nosebleeds If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it's due to nasal polyps; they may be caused [uvahealth.com]

• Suggestibility

  RESULTS: Evidence suggests that altered innate immunity, adaptive immunity, tissue remodeling, and/or effects of microorganisms may play a role in the development of CRSwNP. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Epistaxis

  In the previous video, we discussed “epistaxis” Nosebleed (epistaxis) can be anterior or posterior: https://youtu.be/rvlhIPtbsU8 Anterior epistaxis is more common whereas posterior epistaxis is more dangerous (usually an elderly hypertensive patient). [youtube.com]

  A 27-year-old female patient presented with a three-month history of unilateral right-sided nasal obstruction and recurrent mild epistaxis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Irritability

  Avoid nasal irritants. As much as possible, avoid breathing airborne substances that are likely to contribute to swelling or irritation in your nose and sinuses, such as allergens, tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, and dust and fine debris. [mayoclinic.com]

  Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the membranes of the nose by airborne particles or chemicals. These membranes secrete mucus. When irritated, they can also grow polyps. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Avoid nasal irritants. Dust, debris, smoking and common allergens can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses. Avoid known nasal irritants as best as you can. Manage allergies and asthma. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

• Nasal Speech

  nasal speech, and mouth breathing.[5] Recurrent sinusitis can result from polyps.[2] Long-term, nasal polyps can cause destruction of the nasal bones and widening of the nose.[2] As polyps grow larger, they eventually prolapse into the nasal cavity [en.wikipedia.org]

• Hyposmia - Anosmia

  Chronic rhinosinusitis is diagnosed by the presence of two or more of the following factors facial congestion/fullness, nasal obstruction, nasal discharge or discolored post nasal drainage, hyposmia/anosmia or one major and two of the following minor [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Clinically, the presence of polyps in chronic sinusitis patients is a marker for greater burden of sinus disease, hyposmia/anosmia, NSAID sensitivity and asthma. [cityallergy.com]

• Insomnia

  Sedation is a common side effect of H1-antihistamines that readily cross the blood–brain barrier; some of these drugs, such as diphenhydramine and doxylamine, may therefore be used to treat insomnia. [en.wikipedia.org]

• Parosmia

  Also, there may be dysosmia (parosmia or phantosmia), rhinorrhea, nasal discharge, cough, itchy conjunctivitis, sneezing and throat irritation or itching. [symptoma.com]

Various clinical investigations are used to diagnose NP. These include:

• Direct laboratory examination in the pathological unit to determine the etiology of the nasal polyp. Nasal patency evaluation may be performed.
• Patient particularly children with polyposis, which are related to allergic rhinitis need to be assesed to determine the allergic stimulant. Serological screening such as radioallergosorbent test (RAST) or allergic skin test may be done. A study reported a decrease in the recurrent episode of polyps in children following treatment using immunotherapy technique targeting the etiological antigens which generate allergic response, particularly mold stimulant [8]. Testing and subsequent treatment for allergies is therefore important when treating allergic cases caused by fungal sinusitis (AFS).
• Chloride sweat test may be used to diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF) in children with multiple benign nasal polyps.
• Morphological identification of eosinophils in nasal smear assist in differentiating allergic related polyps from other caused by other sinus diseases. This may assist to know whether the patient can be treated with glucocorticoids. Also, accumulation of neutrophils in the smear may be suggestive of chronic sinusitis.
• Imaging techniques such as normal x-rays and ultrasound can also be used for the diagnosis of polyps. Although, these methods are rarely recommended, less sensitive and not frequently used in the clinical assessment of NP. However, technique like CT scan is an important method in diagnosing the severity of the disease condition and examining or imaging the anatomical structure of the nasal cavity and sinuses. CT-scan is a good diagnostic tool for evaluating the condition, especially when features of neoplasm are observed. This symptoms include, epistaxis (nasal hemorrhage), nasal crusting, cacosmia and periorbital edema. Other symptoms are displaced orbital globe, impaired vision, ophthalmoparesis, frontal headaches, swellings, meningitis evidence and weight loss. Cranial CT scan may be needed for preoperative evaluation when surgery is required.

• Sinus Opacification

  Secondary endpoints—improvement in sinus opacification and loss of smell—also favored dupilumab. [ajmc.com]

  opacifications as assessed by CT scans using Lund Mackay Score. [clinicaltrials.gov]

  Coronal CT scan through the anterior sinuses showing opacification of the left maxillary sinus with opacification of the inferior half of the nasal cavity on the left, filled by the antral-choanal polyp. The rest of the sinuses are clear. [emedicine.com]

Primary treatment of nasal polyp involves the use of oral and topical nasal steroid [9]. Many Clinicians suggested the use of topical nasal steroid in treating nasal polyps as either primary drug of choice or continuous secondary line of treatment after oral steroids or surgical operations. Nasal steroids such as fluticasone, beclomethasone and budesonide was observed to be very effective in managing NP symptoms and increasing the rate airflow in the nasal cavity in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A similar result was observed in systematic reviews of 19 different studies. Topical form of these steroids demonstrated improved therapeutic response in nasal polyposis patients. Previous studies indicated that fluticasone has rapid onset of action and better efficacy compared to beclomethasone [9].

Failure of the convention treatment in children with benign type of nasal polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis may require surgical procedure such as simple polypectomy. This is effective in managing non-complex, single and few numbers of polyps. In benign type of multiple 4 nasal polyps, polypectomy iare less effective with report of high recurrence among the patients.

A better surgical technique called endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is effective in managing NPs by successfully removing the polyps and expanding the olfactory clefts of the middle meatus, where commonly most polyps develop, thereby preventing the recurrence rate. The degree of the surgical corrections varies depending on the severity of the condition. The correction may range from simple adjustment of the sinus aeration to complete extirpation. Few comparisons revealed that complete surgical extirpation procedures are more effective than sinus aeration with rare complications when handled by an experienced surgeon. Also, with the aid of surgical microdebrider, the procedure is performed faster with minimal risk of error.

Also, antihistamines (e.g cromolyn sodium) and nasal decongestants can be used although, they are less effective. Allergic rhinitis can be treated by immunotherapy methods with better efficacy in resolving latent polyps. Antibiotics may be administered for secondary bacterial infections.

Nasal polyp management is primarily aimed at reducing the polyp and control of the underlying symptoms. Most often, the treatments are usually long term and do not change the mechanisms of the disease condition. Therefore, it is important to counsel the patient on the regimen plan and the relapsing nature of the clinical condition.

Nasal polyps develop as a result of inflammation of the nasal mucosa tissue. The mucosa layer is a moist lining that protects the nasal cavity, sinuses and help to humidify the respiratory air. When the nasal mucosa is infected or allergic reaction, it becomes swollen, redddish or produce watery fluid that can be dripping out of nasal cavity. Continuous irritation of the mucosa may result into a polyp. A polyp is a grape-shaped growth that obstruct nasal passages.

Although polyps may develop without any previous nasal disorder, polyps are usually triggered by many factors. These include:

• Chronic sinusitis
• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis (which is also known as hay fever or pollinosis)
• Allergic stimulation due to fungal sinusitis (This account for 80% of cases of NP) [3].
• Cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis)
• Churg-Strauss syndrome [2].
• Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen)

Hereditary factor may play a role in the development of polyps which may be due to varying genetic expression in the nasal mucosa following inflammation.

The incidence of NP varies with age and sex. In the general children population, the overall incidence rate is 0.1% but among those with cases of cystic fibrosis, 6-48% later develop polyp. In adult, the overall incidence rate is 1-4%, with cases of CF rate of 0.2-28%. More cases of NP were reported among adult male than female with an average ratio of 3:1. A study carried out to determine the prevalence of children with NP requiring surgical treatment, reported an even distribution of the condition among male and female children, although with an inconclusive result [4]. Reported prevalence among asthmatic patient is correlate with the general incidence.

Bernstein's theory proposed that inflammatory changes initially occur laterally at the nasal wall or in sinus mucosa due to microbial-host interactions or as a secondary to disturbance in airflow. Most often, polyps originate from junction of the middle meatus, particularly the small narrow clefts in the anterior ethmoid infundibulum region, which generate turbulent airflow, and especially when constricted by mucosal inflammation. The submucosa may be ulcerated or prolapsed, resulting in formation of new epithelium or gland. When this occur, polyp can develop in the mucosa because of the increased inflammatory reaction in the epithelial cells, endothelial cells blood vessels, and fibroblasts. This may affect the sodium ion channels bioelectric strength of the epithelial cell luminal surface in the nasal mucosa. This result into an increase in sodium absorption, which causes water retention and polyp development [5].

Other theories described the involvements of vasomotor imbalance or epithelial cells rupture in the development of NP. Vasomotor imbalance theory proposed that increase in vascular permeability and impairment in vascular control following detoxification by mast cell secretions (such as histamine and serotonin). The continuous effects of these secretion on the polyp stroma result in a significant edema (particularly in the polyp pedicle), which may be complicated by venous drainage obstruction. This theory focuses on cell fragility in the polyps stroma, due to the poor cell vascularity and inadequate vasoconstrictor innervation.

Another theory called epithelial cell rupture theory suggested that the rupture of the epithelium in the nasal mucosa result from an increase in tissue turgor in disease conditions (such as during allergic reaction and infections). The rupture causes the lamina propria of the mucosa to prolapse, thereby forming polyps. This condition becomes more aggravated due to gravitational changes or obstructed venous drainage causing the polyps formation. The epithelial cell rupture theory is similar to Bernstein's but the mechanism for polyp enlargement is not well understood. Both epithelial cell rupture and Bernstein theories failed to include the role of inflammatory trigger in NP development.

Nasal polyp can be prevented through the following ways;

• Proper compliance to drugs prescribed for allergic and asthmatic conditions.
• Avoid contact with potential airborne allergens or stimulants, which cause nasal irritation or inflammation.
• Good personal hygiene.
• Occasional use of home humidifier, which assist in moistening of nasal airflow passage.
• Nasal rinsing or spraying with saline to clear allergens or irritants that can stimulate nasal polyps development.

Nasal polyps are an abnormal growth with a feature of common teardrop-shape, commonly seen around orifice of the sinus cavities. Most mature polyp have a shape of peeled, seedless grape. Unlike polyps associated with the colon or bladder,nasal polyps are not malignant tumors and have low risk of developing into cancer [1]. They simply indicate inflammation, but sometimes, it may be an inherited condition, therefore family history is important. Biopsy of the nasal polyp may be required to determine if the polyp is malignant or benign.

Nasal Polyps may occur as a result of infection of the sinus or nasal cavity and usually appear following a recovery from an infection. They may develop slowly and persist over a period of time. They may also form due to invasion of nasal cavity by foreign body. Individuals allergic to stimulants such as aspirin or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usually develop nasal polyps, asthma, and chronic nasal or sinus congestion. The pathogenesis of nasal polyps and associated respiratory tract conditions due to allergy is not known. Blockage of the sinuses drainage in patient with nasal polyps can result into sinus infections.

Most patient with nasal polyps, are not aware of their condition, although common symptoms include, sneezing, nasal congestion or obstruction, postnasal drip, facial pain, excessive mucoidal discharge in the nose, anosmia, hyposmia, eye itching, and sinusitis.

Based on the British system, NPs are classified into [2]:

1. Eosinophil-rich nasal polyp
2. Infective nasal polyp
3. Nasal polyps of other etiology.

Eosinophilic polyps is the most common in the United Kingdom.It is characterized by increase in local polyclonal IgE. The skin patch tests may be negative.

Nasal polyps (NP) are harmless abnormal growths that develop in the layer of the nasal cavity or sinuses. Polyp is formed when the mucous lining of the nose tender, painfully swollen persisting for long period of time. Sinuses are tiny, air-filled hollow cavities situated in the facial bones. This polyps may obstruct airflow in the nasal cavity and sinuses during breathing thereby causing sinus infections and other related nasal disorders.

Symptoms:

• Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
• Postnasal drip (PND)
• Impaired ability to smell and taste (Anosmia)
• Sinus headache, pain and pressure
• Difficulty sleeping

Causes:
The primary cause of NP is not fully understood. However, it is suggested that the condition results from accumulation of fluid in the mucus membranes of the nasal cavity. This initiates the development of fluid-filled swellings which becomes enlarged into polyps. Various factors that can stimulate NP development include, allergens, genetic disorder, and asthma.

Diagnosis:

• The history of the patient is important in establishing diagnosis. (Allergic stimulant must be identified and asthmatic patient are also counseled where necessary)
• Physical examination. A special device called nasal speculum may be used to distend the nostrils for proper nasal cavity examination.
• CT scan of the head to image the sinuses for proper to identify the polyps.
• X-rays may also be requested to guide diagnosis.

Treatment:
Nasal polyps can not be cured, but may be managed using medications. Most commonly, corticosteroid are used for treating NP either as nasal sprays, pills or liquid. Also, antibiotics may be administered for infection treatment in bacterial sinusitis.

Sometimes, complicated cases may required surgery the type of which depends on the severity of the polyp. The most common of the surgery type is endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). It is a day surgery (outpatient) which might not require prolonged stay in the hospital. It is a specialized technique that involves the use of guided imagery for nasal examination, removal of the polyps and proper drainage of the sinuses.

1. Fokkens W, Lund VJ, Mullol J. European position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2007. Rhinology Suppl. 2007; 20:1-136.
2. Scadding G, Durham S, Mirakian R, et al. British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. BSACI guidelines for the management of rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis. Clin Exp Allergy. 2008; 38:260-275.
3. Lund VJ. Diagnosis and treatment of nasal polyps. BMJ. 1995; 311:1411-1414.
4. Mabry RL, Marple BF, Folker RJ, et al. Immunotherapy for allergic fungal sinusitis: three years' experience. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1998; 119(6): 648-51.
5. Bernstein JM, Gorfien J, Noble B. Role of allergy in nasal polyposis: a review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1995 Dec; 113(6):724-32.
6. Storms W. Allergic rhinitis-induced nasal congestion: its impact on sleep quality. Prim Care Respir J. 2008; 17:7.
7. Bellanti JA, Wallerstedt DB. Allergic rhinitis update: Epidemiology and natural history. Allergy Asthma Proc 2000; 21:367.
8. Mabry RL, Mabry CS. Immunotherapy for allergic fungal sinusitis: The second year. Presented at the 1996 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngologic Allergy; September 26, 1996; Washington,DC.
9. Lund VJ, Flood J, Sykes AP, Richards DH. Effect of fluticasone in severe polyposis. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1998; 124(5):513-8.