Can nasal polyps be seen with the naked eye?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 16, 2025
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Nasal polyps can be visible to the naked eye, but this is only in cases of more severe nasal polyp patients. In some severe cases, the polyps grow into and protrude from the nasal cavity, at which point a pale white, lychee-like polyp neoplasm can usually be seen in the nostril. For patients with nasal polyps, blockage of the nasal passages can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and runny nose. At this time, functional endoscopic sinus surgery can be used to remove the polyps from the patient's nasal cavity, thereby restoring normal ventilation function of the nasal passages, improving symptoms of sinus obstruction, and achieving a cure.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is nasal polyp surgery painful?

Nasal polyps are space-occupying lesions that occur in the nasal cavity and sinus cavity. After the discovery of nasal polyps, they are usually removed surgically. Currently, the surgery for nasal polyps is performed under general anesthesia using functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which involves removing the nasal polyps and opening the sinus ostia. There is no significant pain during the surgery, as it is conducted under general anesthesia. After the surgery, the nasal cavity is packed with some hemostatic materials. There is discomfort when this nasal packing material is removed on the second day after the surgery, but this discomfort is only significant during the removal and subsides afterward. Therefore, there is some pain associated with nasal polyp surgery, but the pain is not very severe.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What medicine is good for nasal polyps to heal quickly?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal cavity, sometimes originating from the sinuses, characterized as translucent, colorless, lychee-like neoplasms without blood vessels or nerve distribution. Clinically, nasal polyps are primarily diagnosed and removed during nasal endoscopic surgery. Certain medications can be used early in the development of nasal polyps, including corticosteroid drugs such as nasal sprays, nasal corticosteroids, and oral corticosteroids. These can control, and in some very small cases, even eliminate nasal polyps. However, this possibility is extremely rare in clinical practice because by the time patients seek treatment for nasal polyps at a hospital, the polyps are usually relatively large, and these medications are no longer effective for fundamental treatment. Therefore, nasal polyps are generally treated surgically. (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 is nasal polyp treated?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to assess the severity of the condition. It is advisable to undergo a nasal endoscopy and a sinus CT scan. For cases where the nasal polyps are few and the clinical symptoms are mild, conservative medical treatment may be considered, typically involving the use of nasal spray medications, along with saline nasal irrigation. If the nasal polyps are numerous and the clinical symptoms are severe, and if conservative medical treatment is ineffective, nasal endoscopic polypectomy surgery may be considered. This is a minimally invasive surgery that generally yields good results, with less damage and a quicker recovery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What medicine is effective for nasal polyps?

The treatment of nasal polyps currently mainly includes two types: conservative treatment and surgical treatment. For smaller, localized nasal polyps with relatively mild clinical symptoms, conservative drug treatment is primarily considered. Currently, corticosteroid nasal sprays are predominantly used, mainly to improve nasal ventilation, reduce mucosal edema, and shrink the nasal polyps. Some patients may even see the polyps disappear completely. However, there are also patients who do not respond well to this treatment, or have relatively large polyps. In these cases, conservative treatment may be less effective, and surgery might be considered. Presently, minimally invasive surgery under endoscopic guidance is commonly performed to remove nasal polyps, and generally, the outcomes are quite definite. (Answer for reference only, medications should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician and not self-administered.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps currently exhibit a variety of symptoms, which should be considered comprehensively based on individual reactions and the condition itself. If the polyps are localized and small, they might not show any clinical symptoms. In such cases, a nasopharyngoscope examination can be used for diagnosis. If there are multiple polyps or if the polyps are located in special positions, they might cause clinical symptoms such as poor nasal ventilation, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache, and dizziness. Some patients might experience changes in vision or facial swelling, numbness, and headaches due to accompanying sinusitis or other sinonasal disorders. Overall, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a nasopharyngoscope examination to make a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis.