Can nasal polyps be eliminated by taking medicine?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 28, 2024
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Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngologic condition, presenting with a variety of clinical symptoms. The more common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache, and dizziness. In terms of treatment, the usual approaches are conservative treatment and surgical treatment. If there are few nasal polyps and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, medication treatment can be considered. Some patients may see a gradual reduction in their nasal polyps after medication treatment. However, in cases where there are many polyps and the clinical symptoms are significant, and standardized medication treatment is ineffective, surgical removal may be necessary. Currently, the more common procedure is endoscopic sinus surgery for the removal of nasal polyps.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
52sec home-news-image

Can nasal polyps heal by themselves?

There is a possibility of spontaneous healing for nasal polyps, but this possibility is relatively low. For cases with fewer polyps, conservative treatment with medication is generally recommended, commonly involving spray medications, along with saline nasal irrigation. However, it is necessary to regularly re-examine and observe the treatment results. If there are many polyps and the results of conservative treatment are not satisfactory, then surgical removal may be required. Currently, the common practice is to remove nasal polyps via endoscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure with generally good overall results, less damage, and shorter recovery time. However, regular follow-up is required as some patients may experience recurrence after the surgery.

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Written by Xu Jian You
Otolaryngology
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How to completely treat nasal polyps?

The radical treatment method for nasal polyps is surgical removal, which is the main treatment method for nasal polyps. The traditional nasal polyp surgery is performed under frontal mirror illumination, using a snare or polyp forceps to remove the polyps. It cannot be completely obscured, may damage normal structures, is not easy to remove cleanly, and is prone to recurrence. Over the past 30 years, with the popularization of endoscopy, nasal polyp surgery has greatly improved. Now, under the nasal endoscope, the base of the nasal polyps can be clearly identified and cleanly removed. Most nasal polyps are associated with sinusitis or originate from the sinuses, so it is also necessary to perform simultaneous sinus opening surgery under the endoscope to thoroughly remove the diseased tissue, greatly reducing the recurrence rate of nasal polyps.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are benign tumors that occur inside the nasal cavity. Generally, the appearance of nasal polyps is associated with chronic inflammatory stimulation, repeated irritation of the turbinate mucosa leading to congestion, edema, prolapse, and hyperplasia of the turbinate mucosa, which causes nasal polyps. They are also often secondary to allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps can cause bilateral nasal congestion in patients, which tends to persist and worsen, while mucous secretions may also flow from the nasal cavity. In severe cases, patients may experience facial swelling, pain, headaches, and other related symptoms. During examination, pale white lychee-like, soft new growths that are usually painless can be found inside the nasal cavity. In terms of treatment, nasal polyps require endoscopic nasal polypectomy. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative antibiotics to prevent local infection. Patients can usually recover and be discharged about a week after the surgery. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What causes nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a common otolaryngological condition, primarily formed due to chronic inflammation of the nasal cavity in patients, or stimulation from smoking, drinking, and physicochemical factors of air pollution, leading to the proliferation of tissues in the nasal cavity and sinuses. The main symptoms caused by nasal polyps include nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, and nasal bleeding. The most effective treatment for nasal polyps is functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which involves the removal of the proliferative polyp tissues, thereby restoring normal ventilation and physiological functions to the nasal cavity and improving the patient's symptoms.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does massaging nasal polyps have any effect?

Nasal polyps cannot be effectively treated through massage, as they grow inside the nasal cavity, mainly around the middle nasal meatus, and may also be found in the olfactory area or the general nasal passages. In severe cases, they can spread throughout the entire nasal cavity and even into the sinuses. In terms of treatment, massage does not play a significant role, as it does not directly affect the nasal polyps themselves. Treatment primarily involves medication and surgical procedures. For cases where the nasal polyps are particularly numerous and symptoms are pronounced, surgery is generally recommended. For smaller polyps with less noticeable symptoms, nasal spray medications may be considered, but regular follow-up examinations are necessary to monitor changes.