Do nasal polyps have any harm?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 01, 2025
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Nasal polyps are abnormal tissue structures and pathological in nature, thus posing several risks to human health. Firstly, they obstruct nasal airflow because nasal polyps block the normal respiratory and ventilation passages, causing the primary sensation of nasal congestion and difficulty in breathing through the nose. Secondly, they impair the sense of smell. Nasal polyps obstruct the nasal cavity, preventing odors from smoothly reaching the olfactory area, leading to diminished olfactory perception. Thirdly, if the nasal polyps persist for too long and grow excessively large, they can result in acute changes in the nose, the most common being a "frog-like nose." This condition makes the nose appear flattened and broad like a frog's, lying against the face which is cosmetically unappealing.

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How to check for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are benign space-occupying lesions that occur in the nasal cavity and sinus cavities. There are several aspects to the examination of nasal polyps: Firstly, an anterior rhinoscopy examination can be performed. If the nasal polyps are large, or even protruding outside the nasal cavity, they can be directly seen. Anterior rhinoscopy enlarges the nasal cavity, allowing visualization of the middle nasal meatus and other tissues inside the nasal cavity. Secondly, a nasal endoscopy can be utilized. Nasal endoscopy is particularly effective for viewing polyps located deeper within, or at the back of the nasal passages, providing very clear visibility. Other examinations, such as electronic rhinoendoscopy, follow the same procedure. The third examination involves a sinus CT scan, which is helpful for identifying the origin of the nasal polyps, as well as the location, range, and extent of obstruction caused by the polyps. Another examination is the pathological examination after nasal polyp surgery, which aids in determining the origin and risk associated with the nasal polyps, as well as assisting in subsequent treatments.

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How to radically cure nasal polyps?

The treatment of nasal polyps currently mainly considers two methods. The first is conservative treatment and the second is surgical removal. If there are few polyps and the symptoms are not particularly obvious, conservative treatment can generally be considered. This usually involves nasal sprays and oral medications, along with regular check-ups to observe any changes in the nasal polyps. If the control effect of the medication on the nasal polyps is not good, or if there are originally many polyps with obvious symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, dizziness, and reduced sense of smell, drug treatment may be insufficient, and endoscopic nasal surgery may need to be considered. Nasal endoscopic surgery can completely remove the nasal polyps, but regular check-ups are also necessary. Whether it is drug treatment or surgical treatment, there is a possibility of recurrence, and a complete cure cannot be guaranteed, therefore, long-term and regular check-ups are essential.

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Nasal polyps minimally invasive surgery how long

Minimally invasive surgery for nasal polyps usually refers to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In patients with nasal polyps obstructing the nasal passages, the polyps are removed under visualization using a nasal endoscope. For patients with bilateral nasal polyps, the surgery generally lasts about one to one and a half hours. Patients with nasal polyps typically experience significant symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches. These polyps block the sinus openings, affecting sinus drainage, thus surgery is usually necessary. After undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery, patients should avoid hot baths, foot baths, and vigorous exercise to prevent post-operative bleeding due to increased blood circulation.

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Do you need to be hospitalized for nasal polyp surgery?

The surgery for nasal polyps is performed under general anesthesia using endoscopic techniques to excise the polyps. The procedure places high demands on the patient's overall health, but typically yields good results. As such, hospitalization is required for nasal polyp surgery, as it often involves additional procedures such as sinus opening and correction of a deviated nasal septum. Nasal polyps are generally caused by sinusitis, rhinitis, or chronic inflammation over a long period of time. Simply removing the nasal polyps may lead to recurrence. In order to thoroughly treat nasal polyps, and address chronic inflammation, sinus issues, and anatomical abnormalities such as a deviated nasal septum, specific treatments are required during surgery. This not only effectively eradicates the nasal polyps but also helps prevent their recurrence. Therefore, hospitalization is required for this type of surgery.

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Can nasal polyps be treated with medication?

Nasal polyps can be considered for drug treatment, primarily depending on the severity of the nasal polyps. If the condition of the nasal polyps is not particularly severe, most patients can consider conservative drug treatment. Common treatments include nasal spray medications, and the nasal cavity can also be rinsed with saline. If the patient also has rhinitis or sinusitis, oral medication may need to be considered. However, during the treatment process, regular follow-up examinations are necessary to observe the treatment effects. If the effects of medication are not satisfactory and the condition of the nasal polyps is more severe, surgical removal may need to be considered. After surgery, regular follow-up examinations are still necessary to monitor the effects of the surgery.