s, assuming the shape of the
cavities, filling the entire nostril and upper portion of pharnyx. The
mucous membrane covering the turbinated bodies may become dilated and
swollen, finally developing by catarrhal processes into a polypus at
that point. (See _H_, Fig. 13.)

[Illustration: Fig. 13.
NASAL POLYPI.

_A_. Anterior opening of the nostril.
_B_. Soft Palate, _C_. Orifice of the
Eustachian tube. _D, D_. Superior
and inferior turbinated bodies. _E_.
Large Polypus. _F_. Several small
Polypi. G. Throat. _H_. Polypoid
growth on turbinated body.]

CAUSES. Nothing definitely is known regarding their causation. They are
generally supposed to originate in some constitutional derangement,
impairing the nutrition of the mucous membranes. Other cases are closely
associated with chronic nasal catarrh, and frequent attacks of cold in
the head.

SYMPTOMS. These may vary considerably in different cases due to the
character and location of the polypus. In the early stages before the
tumor is well developed, the symptoms may be those of nasal catarrh, and
the diagnosis of polypus be possible only after a personal examination
by a skillful specialist. Neither is the size of the polypus always in
proportion to the severity of the symptoms. The nasal discharge is
generally increased and of a variable character. As the tumors enlarge
they cause a sense of fullness and weight between and below the eyes,
with more or less headache and facial neuralgia. There is partial or
complete obstruction of one or both nostrils. In some cases the
obstruction changes from one nostril to the other when lying down; the
stoppage generally being on the side toward the pillow. A polypus
located at the junction of the nasal passages and throat by force of
gravity always causes obstruction to the lower nasal cavity when lying
down. Polypi often attain considerable size and by pressure upon and
displacement of the surrounding structures occasion hideous facial
deformity. Changes in the weather often aggravate the symptoms. By
blowing the nostril the tumor sometimes may be forced forward, so that
it may be seen a short distance from the anterior opening of the
nostril. The _voice_ is often affected, being muffled or harsh in tone,
similar to that which accompanies a cold in the head. _Respiration_ may
be considerably embarrassed, due to the obstruction in the nasal
passages, and the patient necessarily resorts to mouth breathing. In
advanced cases th