The role of allergic rhinitis in the aetiology of nasal polyps

Abstract EN

Despite the prevalence and long history since nasal polyps were recognized as a clinical entity, many questions still exist with respect to their aetiology & pathogensis, this study aims to assess the role of allergy in the aetiology of nasal polyps based on their epidemiology in Basrah governorate in Iraq & by utilizing the skin test, from January 2000-december 2000 84 patients with simple nasal polyps 50 males & 34 females with age range between 18-70 years were studied by collecting data regarding the history, physical examination& investigations in a questionnaire form .88 normal subjects were also included as a control group.

Both patients & controls were subjected to intradermal skin test using seven common aeroallergens.

Out of the 84 patients 58 (69 %) had a positive skin test to one or more of the tested allergens, while only 20 (23 %) of the control group had a positive test.

This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.

00001), odd ratio=8.0 which means allergic persons were 8 times more prone to have polyps than normal subjects.

Allergy appears to play an important role in the aetiology of nasal polyps and the skin test is useful in the assessment of patients with polyps who may therefore benefit from immuno therapy.