Demographic and clinical insights into fungal and non-fungal nasal polyposis

Background Fungal infections have been increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to nasal polyposis. Understanding the demographic and clinical differences between fungal and non-fungal nasal polyposis is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and guiding targeted treatment strategies. To analyze and compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with fungal and non-fungal nasal polyposis, providing insights into their presentation and potential implications for diagnosis and treatment. Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, over 12 months (September 2023–September 2024). Patients aged 18–65 years, clinically diagnosed with nasal polyps, were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Tissue specimens were analyzed via histopathology and microbiology. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Among 205 participants (mean age: 30.65 ± 10.13 years), 63.9% were male, and 36.1% were female. Fungal infection was identified in 72.2% of cases (n=148). No significant differences were found in age (p=0.560), BMI (p=0.239), or illness duration (p=0.969) between fungal-positive and fungal-negative groups. Symptoms such as impaired smell (p=0.300), headache (p=0.657), sneezing (p=0.938), proptosis (p=0.749), and nasal deformity (p=0.820) were similarly distributed across both groups. Conclusion: There were no significant demographic or clinical differences between fungal and non-fungal nasal polyposis cases. Given their similar presentation, advanced diagnostics are essential for accurate differentiation and treatment. Further research is needed to explore the role of fungi in nasal polyposis. Keywords: Demographic characteristics, Fungal infection, Nasal polyposis, Sinus