Nasal examination reveals a grayish grape-like mass within the nasal cavity. The doctor examines the patient's nasal passages. A computerized tomography (CT) scan will be done to help determine the size and exact location of the polyps, including any nasal polyps in the sinuses. For a young child, the doctor might suggest a test for cystic fibrosis (an inherited condition affecting the glands that produce mucus, tears, sweat, saliva and digestive juices). Children who have both nasal polyps and hay fever may have allergy skin tests done, which can provide important information about allergic sensitivities.
The doctor, most commonly an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose and throat doctor), looks for translucent, grapelike masses colored yellow to gray. He or she usually can detect polyps simply by examining your nasal passages with a special instrument called a nasal endoscope, a small, flexible tube connected to a camera. Sometimes, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be used to determine the location and size of the nasal polyps. CT scanning also will tell if the nasal polyps are coming from the nose or from the sinuses. In addition to examining your nasal passages, your doctor will ask about your medical history. He or she probably will ask if you have a history of hay fever or allergic rhinitis, asthma or an allergy to aspirin.
To help diagnose nasal polyps, your doctor will ask about your medical history and examine your nasal passages. Sometimes you may also have a computerized tomography (CT) scan.
If you have a young child diagnosed with multiple 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.
Children who have both nasal polyps and hay fever may have allergy skin tests, which can provide important information about allergic sensitivities. Allergy skin tests aren't uncomfortable for most children and can usually be completed in 30 minutes or less. |
