Can nasal polyps be treated without surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 23, 2025
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A portion of patients with nasal polyps may not require surgery. The decision to operate on nasal polyps primarily depends on the severity of the condition and the overall health of the patient. If the nasal polyps are particularly localized and the patient does not exhibit significant symptoms such as nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, headaches, or dizziness, conservative treatment or regular check-ups may be considered. Conservative treatment involves the use of nasal sprays and regular examinations with a nasopharyngoscope to monitor the growth of the polyps. However, if the nasal polyps are extensive and accompanied by clinical symptoms, and conservative treatment proves ineffective, surgery may need to be considered. Currently, endoscopic surgery is commonly performed and is generally very effective with minimal trauma.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if nasal polyps are bleeding?

Nasal polyps accompanied by nasal bleeding can be caused by various reasons. It could possibly be hemorrhagic nasal polyps, or there might be dryness and erosion bleeding of the nasal mucosa, or bleeding due to rupture of small blood vessels, or inflammation-induced bleeding. Therefore, in such cases, it is necessary to promptly visit an otolaryngology department. Consider conducting a nasal endoscopy, routine blood tests, and coagulation function tests, which can help determine the severity of the nasal polyps and the cause of the nasal bleeding. If the extent of nasal bleeding is severe and the nasal polyps are widespread, surgical removal might be considered necessary. After surgery, regular follow-up checks are essential to monitor the recovery process.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Postoperative precautions for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are a common disease in otolaryngology, head, and neck surgery. The primary treatment for nasal polyps is functional endoscopic surgery to remove them. After the surgery, it is important to keep the following in mind: First, it is important to keep the nasal cavity clean. Clean the nasal cavity daily with saline solution and use some medications for treatment. Second, regularly visit the hospital to have the nasal cavity cleaned by the surgeon who performed the operation. Typically, the surgeon will instruct when to return for a follow-up visit, or schedule an appointment. Third, for nasal polyps, surgery is not the end of the treatment. It is generally necessary to continue daily medicinal treatment of the nasal cavity. Immediately after the surgery, it may also be necessary to take anti-inflammatory medications, such as roxithromycin or clarithromycin, for treatment. In summary, treatment and nasal cavity cleaning must continue even after surgery for nasal polyps. (Note: Please use medications under the guidance of a clinical doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to deal with enlarged nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. First, it is necessary to assess the extent of the nasal polyps and the clinical symptoms. If the nasal polyps are few and the clinical symptoms are not particularly evident, this condition might be considered for conservative drug treatment, commonly involving nasal sprays and saline nasal irrigation. If there are many nasal polyps and more pronounced clinical symptoms, such as nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness, and if standardized drug treatment is ineffective, then surgical treatment should be considered. Currently, the most commonly used procedure is endoscopic nasal polyp removal surgery, with regular follow-ups required to monitor postoperative recovery. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to deal with nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. Clinically, the first step is to assess the extent of the nasal polyps. If the polyps are few and there are no obvious clinical symptoms, medical treatment can be considered, and regular re-examinations with a nasopharyngoscope are needed to monitor the recovery. If there are numerous polyps and the response to standardized medication is poor, surgical removal might be necessary. Currently, endoscopic nasal polyp removal surgery is commonly used. Regular postoperative check-ups are also required to observe the recovery. Generally, it is advisable to rinse the nasal cavity with saline solution to aid in postoperative recovery. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Nasal polyps CT manifestations

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms of the nasal area. On a CT scan, they primarily appear as increased density shadows in the nasal cavity and sinus cavity. These shadows have a definite shape, which is why we see nasal polyps as oval-shaped. Secondly, the density of the nasal polyps can be distinctively differentiated from the surrounding densities; the density of the surrounding bone is very high, while the density of the nasal polyps is relatively direct, appearing as a gray density shadow. Thirdly, we observe accompanying inflammatory changes in the nasal cavity and sinus cavity on the nasal polyps, such as thickened sinus cavity mucosa and, in some cases, the presence of purulent secretions due to inflammatory infections, as seen on the CT scan.