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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor can usually make a diagnosis based on your answers to questions about your symptoms, a general physical exam and an examination of your nose. Polyps may be visible with the aid of a simple lighted instrument.
Other diagnostic tests include:
- Nasal endoscopy. A nasal endoscope, a narrow tube with a magnifying lens or tiny camera, enables your doctor to look at the inside of your nose in detail. He or she inserts the endoscope into a nostril and guides it into your nasal cavity to locate nasal polyps.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan. Computerized tomography is a type of X-ray imaging that enables your doctor to locate nasal polyps and other abnormalities associated with chronic inflammation. It's also important in helping your doctor rule out the presence of other possible obstructions in the nasal cavity, such as a cancerous growth.
- Allergy tests. Your doctor may suggest allergy skin tests to determine if allergies are contributing to chronic inflammation. With a skin prick test, tiny drops of allergy-causing agents (allergens) are pricked into the skin of your forearm or upper back. The drops are left on your skin for 15 minutes before your doctor or nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions. If a skin test cannot be performed, your doctor may order a blood test that screens for specific antibodies to various allergens.
- Test for cystic fibrosis. If you have a young child diagnosed with nasal polyps, your doctor may suggest testing for cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition affecting the glands that produce mucus, tears, sweat, saliva and digestive juices. The standard diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis is a noninvasive sweat test, which measures the amount of sodium and chloride in your child's perspiration.
References
- Fried M. Nasal polyps. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec19/ch221/ch221h.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2009.
- Staffel J, et al. Rhinology, nasal obstruction and sinusitis. In: Wax M, ed. Primary Care Otolaryngology. 2nd ed., e-format. Alexandria, Va.: American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery; 2004. http://www.entnet.org/EducationAndResearch/upload/Chapter-9-Rhinology-Nasal-Obstruction-and-Sinusitis.pdf. Accessed Jan. 7, 2009.
- Pawliczak R, et al. Pathogenesis of nasal polyps: An update. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. 2005;5:463-471.
- Fried M. Nasal polyps. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch091/ch091d.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2009.
- Sinusitis. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Sinusitis.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Pillsbury HC III, et al. Nose and sinuses. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec19/ch217/ch217c.html. Accessed Jan. 7, 2009.
- Fungal sinusitis. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Fungal-Sinusitis.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Haddad J Jr. Nasal polyps. In: Kliegman R, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier Inc.; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/116189915-2/0/1608/891.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Rosenfeld RM. Clinical practice guideline on adult sinusitis. Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 2007;137:365-377.
- Tips to remember: What is allergy testing? American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatisallergytesting.stm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Scadding GK. Comparison of medical and surgical treatment of nasal polyposis. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. 2002;2:494-499.
- Sinus surgery. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/SinusSurgery.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Tips for sinus sufferers. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/tipsSinusSufferers.cfm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
