Can nasal polyps be cured?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 06, 2024
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Nasal polyps are a common condition, but whether they can be completely cured varies from person to person. Generally, treatment is divided into two main categories: conservative treatment and surgical treatment. If the nasal polyps are few and do not cause significant clinical symptoms, most patients will consider conservative treatment, which includes the use of nasal sprays, nasal irrigation, and oral medication. Generally speaking, most patients can achieve effective control and relief. However, if conservative treatment is ineffective and the nasal polyps gradually increase or if the polyps are originally extensive, medical treatment might not be effective, which may necessitate surgical removal. Currently, the main procedure performed is endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyp removal, which is considered minimally invasive. However, neither medical treatment nor surgery can guarantee complete and permanent cure without recurrence, thus long-term follow-up is required.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is nasal polyp fungus contagious?

Nasal polyps accompanied by fungal infection generally are not contagious to each other. This disease is not infectious and does not have direct contagion. However, it is necessary to visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist promptly after symptoms appear. The patient will need to undergo a nasal endoscopy and a sinus CT scan to assess the severity of the condition. Most patients may need to consider surgical treatment, and after surgery, regular follow-up visits are required to monitor the effectiveness of the procedure. One to two weeks after surgery, nasal irrigation should be performed, which can be done using saline or physiological seawater to help reduce the retention of nasal secretions.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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symptoms of malignant nasal polyps

The symptoms caused by the malignant transformation of nasal polyps mainly involve significant destruction and invasion of the surrounding bone, leading to the destruction of the skull base and orbital tissues. Patients may experience eye pain, decreased vision, headaches, and bleeding. For patients with malignant transformation of nasal polyps, diagnosis is primarily made through an electronic nasopharyngoscopy biopsy, taking a portion of the pathological tissue for confirmation. Typically, after confirming malignancy, functional endoscopic sinus surgery should be performed promptly to remove the malignant nasal polyp tissue and extend the resection to the invaded bone. This is usually complemented by radiation therapy or chemotherapy to prevent recurrence of the malignant nasal polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be treated with medication?

Some patients with nasal polyps can opt for medical treatment, as there are mainly two types of treatments for nasal polyps: conservative treatment and surgical removal. For cases with minimal absorption, limited scope, and shorter duration, conservative treatment is generally recommended, primarily using corticosteroid nasal sprays. Regular follow-ups and a sufficient course of medication are necessary, typically rechecking with a rhinoscope every three months, and visiting the otorhinolaryngology department every one to two weeks for a check-up. If conservative treatment is ineffective and the patient has numerous nasal polyps, surgical removal should be considered.

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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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Can nasal polyps be washed with saline?

Nasal polyps can be considered for saline irrigation, with the main types of saline used being physiological saline or physiological seawater. The main function is to help improve nasal ventilation and reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa. It also has some therapeutic effects for patients with poor sense of smell. However, overall, saline irrigation is still considered an auxiliary treatment method, and it is recommended to consider medication treatment. If the nasal polyps cover a wide range and the clinical symptoms are quite apparent, it could also be accompanied by sinusitis. Under such circumstances, endoscopic surgery might be necessary, which involves the removal of nasal polyps under endoscopy. Depending on the condition of sinusitis, concurrent sinus opening surgery might be required. It is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a formal diagnostic evaluation to determine the best treatment approach.