Do nasal polyps definitely have to be removed?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Nasal polyps are benign glandular tissues that occur in the nasal cavity. The presence of nasal polyps can block the nasal passage, leading to secondary infections, and as nasal polyps gradually increase in size, they can damage the local tissue structure. Therefore, once nasal polyps appear, they are primarily removed through surgery, making surgical removal necessary. However, in the early stages of nasal polyps, when they have just developed and are still small, they can be treated with medications such as methylprednisolone or prednisone. These drugs are mainly corticosteroids and can cause the polyps to gradually shrink and disappear in a minority of patients, a process referred to as chemical resection through medication. Nonetheless, the chance of detecting nasal polyps in their early stages is very small, and they are often only discovered when they have grown large enough to obstruct the nasal passage and affect breathing, meaning that they typically require surgical removal after they are found.

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What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a fairly common otolaryngological condition with a relatively high incidence clinically. There is significant individual variation in clinical symptoms. Some patients have few nasal polyps and might not show obvious clinical symptoms; these are often discovered only during a physical examination or a nasopharyngoscopy. Other patients may experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness. In cases where the polyps are particularly numerous and have been present for a long time, they may even cause deformities of the nose, such as a "frog nose" or "saddle nose." In such cases, timely surgical treatment should be considered, and regular follow-up inspections are needed to monitor for any recurrence.

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Where to apply moxibustion for nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps cannot be treated through moxibustion, as they are benign or malignant tumors of the nasal cavity. Local surgery is required for treatment. The causes of nasal polyps are unknown in clinical settings. Generally, they are directly related to the patient's long-term chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis, resulting from persistent congestion, edema, proliferation, and dehydration of the nasal mucosa. Patients will experience progressive bilateral nasal congestion, along with a foreign body sensation and swelling in the nasal cavity, which can also lead to diminished sense of smell, memory loss, and other related symptoms. A detailed examination with an endoscopic nasal examination and sinus CT scan at a hospital can confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, nasal polyps cannot be cured through conservative treatment. An endoscopic polypectomy can cure the condition. Post-surgery, patients need to exercise, avoid catching colds to prevent recurrence.

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Can people with nasal polyps drink alcohol?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. It is advised that patients with nasal polyps should avoid drinking alcohol as it can be highly irritating. Alcohol has a direct stimulative effect on the nasal mucosa, which might exacerbate the condition of nasal polyps, potentially leading to nosebleeds or elevated blood pressure. These factors may harm overall health. Patients with nasal polyps should seek prompt medical attention from an otolaryngologist after the onset of symptoms. Examinations such as nasendoscopy and sinus CT scans can be conducted to assess the severity of the condition. Some patients might opt for conservative medical treatment, while others, for whom medication is ineffective, may need to consider surgical intervention.

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What should I do if nasal polyps cause nosebleeds?

Patients with nasal polyps who experience nosebleeds should visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department to identify the specific cause of the bleeding. Some patients have bleeding caused by nasal polyps, while others may bleed due to erosion of the nasal mucosa or rupture of small blood vessels. A small number of patients might have bleeding due to tumorous lesions. Therefore, after seeing an ENT specialist, it is necessary to undergo a nasal endoscopy, complete blood count, and coagulation function tests to clarify the specific cause of the condition. Some patients might choose conservative medical treatment, some may require nasal packing to stop the bleeding, and others, if conservative treatment is ineffective, may need to consider surgical treatment.

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What are the treatment methods for nasal polyps besides surgery?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. The treatment methods are mainly divided into two major categories. The first category is surgical treatment, and the second is conservative treatment. Those who prefer not to undergo surgery should undergo nasopharyngoscopic examination to assess the specific extent of the lesion. If the lesion is relatively localized and the clinical symptoms are not particularly significant, conservative pharmaceutical treatment can be considered. Common medications include nasal spray drugs, and oral medications may also be considered. It is also recommended to rinse the nasal cavity with saline solution. However, regular reviews are necessary to dynamically observe changes in the nasal polyps. If the condition is severe and the symptoms of blockage are quite apparent, surgery might be required. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)