Learn about Nasal Polyps

Male: What are nasal polyps?

Dr. Dolitsky: Nasal polyps are benign fleshy growths. Nasal polyps are polyps that grow in the nose and they cause a stuffy nose. They can cause sinus infections. They can come from sinus infections. In fact, actually in most cases, no one knows exactly what causes sinus problems or nasal polyps. They are used to be thought to be allergy but we are not sure that allergy actually causes it. But once you have nasal polyps, you tend to have a stuffy nose, in children, when we see nasal polyps we have a particular concern and that nasal polyps is something that is commonly seen in a childhood cystic fibrosis. So when a child who has nasal polyps, even though the likelihood is that if a child is otherwise healthy, they do not have cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis should be tested for, that is typically done with a test called a sweat test, which is a non-invasive test, usually done either in a cystic fibrosis center or by a pulmonologist or lung specialist. So suppose a child has nasal polyps, it does not mean that they have cystic fibrosis. It does mean, however, that it should be ruled out with a test. And frequently these children have chronic nasal obstructions, stuffy noses, runny noses, and sinus infections and they have to be dealt with, with either medicine or possibly surgery.



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