What will happen if nasal polyps are not operated on?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
54sec home-news-image

What should I do if nasal polyps keep recurring?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common ENT disorder, and some patients may experience recurrent episodes. This situation is mainly seen in patients with nasal polyps who have an increase in eosinophils or those with accompanying allergic rhinitis. The likelihood of recurrence varies individually. After a recurrence, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist. A nasal endoscopy or a sinus CT scan can be done to assess the severity of the recurrence. Some patients may opt for conservative medical treatment, commonly using nasal spray medications. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution can be helpful. If the nasal polyps recur severely and conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical removal may be necessary. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is minimally invasive surgery for nasal polyps painful?

Nasal polyp surgery is performed using endoscopic nasal polypectomy and sinusotomy. It is a minimally invasive surgery that requires general anesthesia and is painless. The cause of nasal polyps is unclear, generally, they are due to repeated chronic inflammation, which can cause diffuse congestion, edema, hyperplasia, and prolapse of the nasal turbinate mucosa. They are also often secondary to allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps usually occur bilaterally and cause persistent nasal congestion that progressively worsens. During an endoscopic examination, pale, lychee-like fresh tumors can be seen in the nasal cavity, which are soft and painless. In terms of treatment, medication is ineffective for nasal polyps; patients need to undergo local surgical treatment for cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can erythromycin be used for nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological (ENT) disease. In terms of medication, if it's just simple nasal polyps, it is not advisable to use erythromycin. This is because erythromycin is a common type of antibiotic, primarily used for treating bacterial infections. However, if the nasal polyps are accompanied by sinusitis, then the use of erythromycin could be considered. For patients with nasal polyps, it is necessary to visit an ENT specialist after the onset of the condition. By conducting examinations such as nasal endoscopy, sinus CT scans, and routine blood tests, the severity of the condition can be assessed, thereby facilitating targeted treatment. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are needed to observe the specific effects of the treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be operated on in the outpatient clinic?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal cavity. Pathologically, nasal polyps are benign tumors. Clinically, the primary treatment is the surgical removal of nasal polyps followed by regular outpatient follow-ups to prevent recurrence. Currently, the surgery for nasal polyps is generally performed under general anesthesia, involving the removal of nasal polyps and sinus opening procedures, which are functional surgeries. Such surgeries require hospitalization and are conducted under endoscopy, typically under general anesthesia. Although in some regions, the surgery may be performed under local anesthesia, hospitalization is still required for the procedure, and it is generally not conducted on an outpatient basis.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does nasal polyp hypertrophy require surgery?

The treatment methods for nasal polyps are mainly divided into two categories. The first category is surgical treatment, and the second category is conservative medical treatment. If the nasal polyps are relatively small and the clinical symptoms are not very obvious, conservative medical treatment should be considered first. Common treatments include nasal spray medications and saline nasal irrigation. If accompanied by rhinitis or sinusitis, oral medications may be considered. If the extent of the nasal polyps is large and the clinical symptoms are clear, and if the results from medication are not good, surgery may need to be considered. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to observe the recovery.