Antrochoanal polyps are usually single and unilateral whereas ethmoidal polyps are multiple and
bilateral. Symptoms of polyps include nasal block,
sinusitis,
anosmia or loss of smell, and secondary
infection leading to
headache.
Nasal polyps are most commonly cause by allergy and rarely by cystic fibrosis although a significant number are associated with non-allergic adult asthma or no respiratory or allergic trigger that can be demonstrated.
Nasal polyps have no relationship with colonic or uterine polyps. Irregular unilateral polyps particulary associated with pain or bleeding will require urgent investigation as they may represent an intranasal tumour.
