Nasal polyps in patients with rhinitis and asthma

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Allergology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Chronic rhinitis and asthma are common respiratory conditions.
• Nasal polyposis is a frequent complication of upper airway inflammation.
• Understanding the prevalence of nasal polyps in patients with co-existing rhinitis and asthma is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of nasal polyposis in a large cohort of Greek patients diagnosed with chronic rhinitis and asthma.
• To investigate the association between nasal polyposis and allergic versus nonallergic rhinitis and asthma.
• To explore the relationship between nasal polyposis, age, and gender in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 3817 patients with chronic rhinitis and asthma underwent allergy evaluation, including skin-prick tests.
• Patients were classified into allergic (seasonal/perennial) and nonallergic rhinitis and asthma groups.
• Nasal polyps were diagnosed via anterior rhinoscopy and endoscopic examination.

Main Results:

• Overall, 4.2% of patients with chronic rhinitis and asthma had nasal polyps.
• Prevalence of nasal polyps was significantly higher in nonallergic respiratory disease (10.8%) compared to allergic (2.1%).
• Nasal polyposis was more common in perennial (4.8%) versus seasonal (0.4%) allergies and increased with age (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Nasal polyposis is present in a notable percentage of Greek patients with chronic rhinitis and asthma.
• Nonallergic and perennial respiratory conditions are associated with a higher risk of nasal polyps.
• Age is a significant factor in the prevalence of nasal polyps in this demographic.