Role of Allergy in Nasal Polyposis
Background: Nasal polyposis has been recognized as a clinical entity since several centuries. The earliest physicians talked about their tendency to recur which is echoed by modern day rhinologists. Objectives: The objective of this study is to attempt to identify allergy as a major contributing factor in the etiology of Nasal Polyposis. Materials & Methods: The study consists of 50 patients who presented to the Out Patient Department with nasal polyposis diagnosed by clinical & radiological methods and confirmed by histopathology. These patients were evaluated for the presence of allergy by a detailed questionnaire and clinical examination. Absolute Eosinophil count and serum IgE were estimated. The results were then compiled and compared and data was analysed for statistical significance by Chi Square test. The patients were followed up for a period of 12 months to evaluate recurrence. Results: Out of the 50 patients a majority (78%) of them had Sinonasal polyposis. A significant percent of patients (69%) with Sinonasal polyposis gave a positive history of allergy and significantly high levels of serum IgE were seen in patients of this group. Seven cases showed recurrence on follow up, all of whom showed positive allergic status. Conclusion: Sinonasal polyposis patients had allergy as their major etiological factor in this study, and the majority of the recurrences were seen in this group. Failure to recognize and treat this association adds to the morbidity of the disease and results in poor treatment outcome.
