Abstract

Background: Nasal polyps (NP) are mucosal lesions of the nasal or paranasal sinuses that can result from a response to inflammatory or infectious stimuli. The present study was conducted to determine the causes and occurrence of nasal polyps in study population.

Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in the department of Ear, Nose and Throat in year 2015. It comprised of 362 patients who visited the department with complaint of nasal polyps. Symptoms such as nasal obstruction, rhinorhea, snoring, voice changes, ear problems etc were noted. History of any food allergy or drug allergy was noted. Family history asthma, allergy, medical or surgical treatment was obtained.

Results: Out of 362 patients, males were 210 and females were 152. The difference was non- significant (P- 0.12). Age group 10-20 years had 72 males and 50 females, age group 20-30 years had 58 males and 46 females, age group 30-40 years had 48 males and 38 females and patients > 40 years had 32 males and 18 females. The difference was significant (P- 0.03). Common symptoms were nasal obstruction (78%), snoring (65%), rhinorrea (58%), voice change (45%), mouth breathing (41%) and post nasal drip (32%). The difference was significant (P- 0.01).

65 males and 41 females had family history of asthma and 91 males and 57 females had history of allergy. Unilateral nasal polyps were seen in 88 males and 60 females. Bilateral nasal polyps were seen in 122 males and 92 females.

Conclusion: Nasal polyps are among commonly occurring nasal disease. It is more prevalent in males as compared to females. Allergy, asthma are among common causes.

Keywords: mouth breathing, Nasal polyps, rhinorrea,