Hairy Polyp Presenting With Respiratory Distress in an Infant With Cleft Palate

Hairy polyps often develop from the upper respiratory tract. They cause various symptoms, such as respiratory distress. A one-month-old boy with a cleft palate was referred to our hospital due to feeding difficulty, stridor, and labored breathing. Physical examination revealed suprasternal retractions and apnea. A laryngoscopy was performed due to suspicion of upper airway obstruction, and a pedunculated, mobile mass occupying the pharynx was observed. Surgical resection was performed perorally. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a hairy polyp. The most common complaint of hairy polyps at the time of admission was dyspnea. It has been reported that hairy polyps <3 cm in diameter is often overlooked during oral examinations. However, respiratory distress and cardiac arrest are more common in these polyps than in those measuring >3 cm. Approximately 10% of patients with hairy polyps reportedly have a cleft palate, which may be related to various arch deformities such as cleft palate. Hairy polyps should be considered a cause of respiratory distress in neonates and infants, especially those with a cleft palate.