Dx Dialogues: Testing for nasal polyps

Purvi Parikh, MD, explains the common methods for testing for nasal polyps, in her practice and beyond.

Transcript

00:00

In my practice, the most common way to test for nasal polyps is by nasal endoscopy.

00:06

Sometimes a CT scan may be indicated. [MUSIC PLAYING]

00:14

Nasal endoscopy can allow for direct visualization of the polyps and the extent of how many polyps there may be.

00:22

And it could even be helpful in identifying any associated sinus disease as well.

00:29

CT imaging is helpful to assess the sinus involvement, and for ENT surgeons to then do surgical planning

00:37

if surgery is indicated. Also, sometimes, CT can help us identify any masses or, again,

00:44

the extent of nasal polyps that we couldn't visualize by endoscopy. So in assessing the inflammatory phenotype for nasal polyps,

00:51

it is helpful to test for other comorbid conditions, such as asthma, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory

00:58

disease, allergic rhinitis, and in some cases, such as in children, we may even look for cystic fibrosis.

01:05

Or if there's a history of infections, we may screen for primary immune deficiency. [AUDIO LOGO]