1. Nasal polyps

2. Nasal polyps are grape like growths of the skin mucosa that project into the cavities of the nose and paranasal sinuses • Causes - exact cause is unknown • Risk factors – person with chronic viral or bacterial infections have a higher incidence of nasal polyps. • Allergies, asthma, chronic rhinitis, and chronic sinusitis

3. Types • Antrochoanal polyps – single, unilateral and usually found in children, originate from maxillary sinus • Ethmoidal polyps – multiple, bilateral and usually found in adults, originating form ethmoidal air cells

4. Clinical features • Bluish, glossy projections in the nares – can exceed the size of grape • Nasal congestion, nasal discharges (usually clear mucus), speech distortion • Reduced ability to smell (hyposmia) • Loss of smell (anosmia)

5. Management Medical management – • Corticosteroid sprays or local injection of a steroid into the polyp • Steroid used to reduce the size, prevention of recurrence and reduction of inflammation thus reducing swelling • Antibiotics (amoxicillin or erythromycin) if infection present.

6. Surgical management • Polypectomy – removal of polyps after nose is anesthetized, NASAL SNARE is slipped around polyp, which is transected and removed with forceps. • Removal of polyp via CALDWELL- LUC OPERATION