Is Nasal Polyp in Pediatric Cases Same as in Adult Population?

Abstract

Nasal polyposis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Nasal polyps represent the end-stage local manifestation of chronic inflammatory disease of the sinonasal tract. Morphologically, nasal polyps are edematous grape-like protrusions most often originating in the upper part of the nose around the osteomeatal complex (OMC) on the lateral wall. Polyps can vary widely in size and should be considered a bilateral condition. Aim of our study was to evaluate the characteristics and clinical features of nasal polyps in pediatric and adult population. children and 221 adults) evaluated nasal polyps between 2015 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, management and histological findings were compared of the 232 patients, 11 were children and 221 were adults. Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting symptom in both groups. The incidence of snoring was more common among the pediatric age group as compared to the adult group and was found to be statistically significant. Epistaxis was also found to be more common among the pediatric age group, while sinusitis was noted to be significantly more common among the adult group. On histologic examination, allergic nasal polyp was more common than inflammatory nasal polyp in children as compared to adults. Conclusion: Nasal polyps are more common in adults. Children have unique clinical features such as increased snoring and epistaxis and predominant allergic histology as compared to adults warranting special attention in devising management plan.