Medical treatment of nasal polyps: a review

Abstract

Nasal polyp is macroscopic edematous mass and it is a most common nasal complaint of the patients. The exact etiology is still unknown and controversial, but the main causes are assumed to be the inflammatory conditions and allergy. Their clinical presentations are obstruction, rhinorrhea, postnasal drip. Nasal polyp is more common in allergic patients with asthma. Treatment of this complication is associated with both medical treatment and surgery. Corticosteroids (systemic and topical) are shown to be beneficial in reducing the size of nasal polyp. Corticosteroids are also used as a primary treatment and postoperative management for avoiding recurrence. The rate of leukotrienes is increased in polyps. It is reported that leukotriene receptor antagonists (antileukotriene) have a beneficial effect on nasal polyp treatment. Montelukast is an antileukotriene. It can be used to modify the symptoms of nasal polyp. There is no significant difference between corticosteroids and montelukast clinical efficacy.