Nasal polyps Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.
Answers to questions about nasal polyps
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Are nasal polyps in children linked to cystic fibrosis?
- I've been prescribed corticosteroid nasal drops for my nasal polyps. Can I have a reaction to the medicine?
- Can nasal polyps change the shape of my nose?
Are nasal polyps in children linked to cystic fibrosis?
Yes, it's thought that nasal polyps may be linked to cystic fibrosis in children.
Explanation
If you think your child has nasal polyps, you should visit his or her GP for advice. He or she will ask you about your child's symptoms and do a physical examination. If your child's GP suspects he or she has nasal polyps, your child will be referred for a test for cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis affects organs in the body, particularly the lungs and digestive system, which become clogged with sticky mucus. This results in infections and inflammation, making it difficult to breathe and digest food.
People with cystic fibrosis have a large amount of salt in their sweat. Cystic fibrosis is diagnosed in children with nasal polyps by a sweat test. The sweat test measures the amount of salt in your child's sweat to determine whether or not he or she has cystic fibrosis. A small amount of sweat will be collected from your child's arm. You will usually be given the results a couple of days after the test. If the sweat test indicates that your child has cystic fibrosis, the doctor will discuss available treatments.
Further information
- Cystic Fibrosis Trust
020 8464 7211
www.cftrust.org.uk
Sources
- Nasal polyps. Management. GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 13 January 2008
- What causes cystic fibrosis? Cystic Fibrosis Trust. www.cftrust.org.uk, accessed 22 January 2009
- How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed? Cystic Fibrosis Trust. www.cftrust.org.uk, accessed 22 January 2009
- The sweat test. What is it and how is it performed? Cystic Fibrosis Trust, 2007. www.cftrust.org.uk
I've been prescribed corticosteroid nasal drops for my nasal polyps. Can I have a reaction to the medicine?
Yes, some people can have unwanted side-effects to nasal drops containing steroids.
Explanation
Corticosteroid nasal drops, such as betamethasone, are often used to help shrink nasal polyps.
Some people experience dryness and irritation in the nose and throat. Other possible side-effects include burning, stinging and itching. Corticosteroid nasal drops can also cause nosebleeds, sneezing and nausea. Occasionally, people feel light headed and lose their smell and taste after taking the medicine.
Once your course of nasal drops has finished and your nasal polyps have reduced in size, your GP may prescribe you a nasal spray to make sure that the polyps don't grow back.
Sources
- Valerie J Lund. Fortnightly review: diagnosis and treatment of nasal polyps. BMJ 1995; 311:1411-1414. www.bmj.com
- Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary. 56th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008:595
- Betnesol Eye, Ear, Nose Drops. Electronic Medicines Compendium. www.emc.medicines.org.uk, accessed 21 January 2009
Can nasal polyps change the shape of my nose?
Yes, nasal polyps can make both sides of your nose bigger. This is very rare and only happens if the nasal polyps grow very large.
Explanation
If you have nasal polyps, your GP will prescribe you treatment to help reduce the size of the polyps. If your nasal polyps aren't treated, they can grow and could cause your nose to change shape.
Further information
- The British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists
020 7404 8373
www.entuk.org
Sources
- Nasal polyps. The British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists. www.entuk.org, accessed 13 January 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: May 2009
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