Nasal and paranasal disease in adult cystic fibrosis patients

Children with cystic fibrosis frequently have nasal polyps and sinusitis. This study addresses (para-) nasal disease in 39 adult cystic fibrosis patients. Fifteen patients (39%) had recently had serious nasal symptoms and 26% sinusitis. Seventeen (44%) had nasal polyposis. Almost all sinus radiographs taken showed opacification, which was unrelated to symptoms. Polypectomies and antral irrigations were usually ineffective, whilst more extensive surgery generally gave better results. It is concluded that a substantial number of adult cystic fibrosis patients frequently have upper airway symptoms. Sinus radiographs have little or no diagnostic value. Treatment of (para-) nasal disease in cystic fibrosis patients can be difficult; a guideline for treatment is suggested, calling for simple interventions coupled with intranasal steroids and nasal irrigation in early disease and for endoscopic to radical sinus surgery in recurrent advanced disease.