What will happen if nasal polyps are not operated on?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 18, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

Can you smoke if you have nasal polyps?

Patients with nasal polyps are advised not to smoke. This is because cigarettes are quite irritating and can affect the nasal mucosa and the normal structures inside the nasal cavity, potentially aggravating the condition of nasal polyps, as well as possibly causing nasal congestion or acute upper respiratory infections, all of which could worsen the existing condition. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to assess the severity of the condition. Some patients may opt for conservative drug treatment, while those with more severe conditions, where conservative drug treatment is ineffective, may need to consider surgical removal. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the effects of the operation.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
50sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 11sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
52sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
58sec home-news-image

Can nasal polyps sinusitis be cured completely?

Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of one or more groups of nasal sinuses, often accompanied by nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are lychee-like, semitransparent, grayish-white growths that are soft in texture and visible inside the nasal cavity. In such cases, it is advisable to consider functional endoscopic sinus surgery under general anesthesia and nasal endoscopy to remove the polyps and ethmoid sinuses. After the surgery, it is essential to perform regular cleaning, reduce inflammation, and provide antihistamine treatment, as sinusitis often leads to the recurrence of nasal polyps. Furthermore, allergens can also trigger the recurrence of nasal polyps. Therefore, after surgery, regular follow-ups, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine treatments are necessary. Generally, with such management, nasal polyps and sinusitis can be effectively cured.