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by Lauren Beyenhof

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Nasal polyps are, for some people with cystic fibrosis, a recurring problem. A polyp is a small, fleshy mass that is attached to the sinus cavity. They are the result of overgrowth of the mucous membranes in the sinus cavity. Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths. Although a person with nasal polyps may not necessarily be able to feel the polyps themselves, symptoms of nasal polyps very often include:

1. Recurring sinus infection
2. Headache
3. Nasal blockages
4. Loss of smell

Treating nasal polyps can be done in one of two ways. The first involves prescription medication that is targeted to treat the cause of the inflammation. Nasal polyps are commonly treated with corticosteroids in the form of a nasal spray. Prescription medications such as Flonase, Nasacort or Nasonex. These products not only treat seasonal allergy symptoms, but may also help shrink existing polyps. Although these corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation that may lead to nasal polyps, but they are not a definite prevention or cure for them. Polyps themselves are not a disease. Rather, they are simply the body's immune system during its reaction to the inflammation that occurs with conditions such as chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or similar allergic reactions. People who have allergic broncopulmonary aspergilliosis (ABPA) may also develop nasal polyps.

The other way to deal with nasal polyps is to have them surgically removed. This is the preferred treatment for larger polyps, especially when they interfere with a person's ability to breathe freely through the nose. Cystic fibrosis patients often must resort to surgical intervention when steroids and prescription nasal sprays are ineffective. During this procedure the ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialist numbs the area then snips the base of the polyp to remove it. The site is then cauterized to prevent bleeding. Following polyp removal, the patient is instructed to use a gentle form of nasal irrigation while the site heals. Continuing to rinse with a saline solution is also useful in preventing the return of polyps.

One study [1] demonstrated that people with nasal polyps may have higher lung function as compared to others in the community. However, they are also more prone to chronic colonization of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (PA) in the lower respiratory tract. [2]

[1]http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstra ct/121/1/40
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12680831?dopt=Abs tract

Learn more about this author, Lauren Beyenhof.

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