Orrpolipok

Orrpolipok, or nasal polyps, are benign, soft growths that develop from the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses. They are typically pale, noncancerous, and can vary in size. Orbital and sinus drainage pathways may become narrowed, leading to nasal obstruction and impaired sense of smell.

They arise from chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa and are commonly associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. They are more frequent in adults, with a slight male predominance, and can occur at any age. Risk factors include other inflammatory diseases, cystic fibrosis in children, and environmental irritants.

Common symptoms include persistent nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, facial pressure or pain, decreased or lost sense of smell, snoring, and sometimes repeated sinus infections. The appearance of polyps themselves is not exclusive to one condition, so an accurate diagnosis often requires evaluation of the entire sinonasal system.

Diagnosis is usually based on clinical history and nasal endoscopy, which allows direct visualization of polyps. Imaging, especially CT scanning of the sinuses, helps assess extent and anatomy and aids in surgical planning. Biopsy is rarely necessary unless there is suspicion of a neoplasm.

Treatment begins with medical management: intranasal corticosteroids to shrink polyps, saline nasal irrigation, and short courses of systemic steroids for acute episodes. Antibiotics are used for secondary bacterial infections. If medical therapy fails or there is significant obstruction or recurrent disease, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) may be performed to remove polyps and restore sinus drainage. Recurrence is common, requiring ongoing management of underlying inflammatory conditions and regular follow-up.