Symptoms of nasal polyps

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 22, 2025
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Nasal polyps are mucosal proliferative tissue masses caused by chronic inflammation or physical and chemical factors. Symptoms induced by nasal polyps primarily include nasal congestion, runny nose, nasal itchiness, and sneezing. Some patients may also experience headaches, nasal bleeding, and other related symptoms. For patients with nasal polyps, initial treatment should involve medication to control the growth of the polyps. Subsequently, functional endoscopic sinus surgery can be undertaken to excise the proliferative nasal polyp tissue under endoscopy, restoring the normal physiological environment and function of the nasal cavity, thereby completely alleviating symptoms of nasal congestion.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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Can nasal polyps be eliminated?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal cavity. They are translucent, lychee-shaped neoplasms without nervous or vascular innervation. Nasal polyps can be completely removed, primarily through two methods. One method is the chemical removal with medications, mainly using corticosteroids, which is suitable for early-stage nasal polyps. Another method is via functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which involves the removal of nasal polyps. The surgery is performed under endoscopic guidance, using forceps or a snare device to excise the nasal polyps. This surgery is conducted under general anesthesia, and nasal polyps can be removed.

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Conservative treatment methods for nasal polyps

Conservative treatment for nasal polyps is mainly applicable to cases with smaller range and less severe symptoms. Generally, it is advisable to begin with some nasal endoscopy to assess the extent of the condition. The primary treatment method considered is nasal sprays, particularly corticosteroid nasal sprays, and additionally, physiological saline can be used to cleanse the nasal cavity. If accompanied by rhinitis and sinusitis, it may also be necessary to consider treatment with oral medication. Overall, most patients see some effectiveness with conservative treatment, but there may be recurrence or cases where conservative treatment is not effective, and surgery might be considered as an option.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
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What will happen if nasal polyps are not operated on?

Nasal polyps are a common pathological change in otolaryngology, mainly caused by chronic inflammatory stimuli such as rhinitis and sinusitis, leading to changes in the nasal mucosa. Nasal polyps are an abnormal structural change. Once nasal polyps occur, emergency surgical treatment is recommended. If surgery is not performed, the polyps will continue to grow larger, altering some of the anatomical structures of the nasal cavity and occupying space, which can impair nasal function. This may lead to nasal congestion, a decrease in the sense of smell, and changes in the external nose, such as a "frog-like" nose; the nose becomes swollen and large, resembling a frog. Over time, due to poor nasal ventilation, this can cause headaches, a heavy head, and other uncomfortable symptoms, therefore urgent surgical treatment is advised.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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What medication to spray for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps refer to benign space-occupying lesions in our nasal cavities. Clinically, nasal polyps are mainly associated with allergies or increased vascular and tissue permeability. Other factors, such as abnormalities in the structure of the middle nasal meatus, are also related to their formation. Therefore, in terms of treatment, clinically, we mainly use some steroids, mainly spraying corticosteroid hormones, such as mometasone furoate, budesonide nasal spray, fluticasone propionate nasal spray, etc. Additionally, if there is a significant amount of pus in the nasal discharge, we can also use saline nasal spray to clean the nasal cavity.

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Do nasal polyps have any harm?

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.