Can nasal polyps sinusitis be cured completely?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on January 06, 2025
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to check for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are benign space-occupying lesions that occur in the nasal cavity and sinus cavities. There are several aspects to the examination of nasal polyps: Firstly, an anterior rhinoscopy examination can be performed. If the nasal polyps are large, or even protruding outside the nasal cavity, they can be directly seen. Anterior rhinoscopy enlarges the nasal cavity, allowing visualization of the middle nasal meatus and other tissues inside the nasal cavity. Secondly, a nasal endoscopy can be utilized. Nasal endoscopy is particularly effective for viewing polyps located deeper within, or at the back of the nasal passages, providing very clear visibility. Other examinations, such as electronic rhinoendoscopy, follow the same procedure. The third examination involves a sinus CT scan, which is helpful for identifying the origin of the nasal polyps, as well as the location, range, and extent of obstruction caused by the polyps. Another examination is the pathological examination after nasal polyp surgery, which aids in determining the origin and risk associated with the nasal polyps, as well as assisting in subsequent treatments.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be treated without surgery?

A portion of patients with nasal polyps may not require surgery. The decision to operate on nasal polyps primarily depends on the severity of the condition and the overall health of the patient. If the nasal polyps are particularly localized and the patient does not exhibit significant symptoms such as nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, headaches, or dizziness, conservative treatment or regular check-ups may be considered. Conservative treatment involves the use of nasal sprays and regular examinations with a nasopharyngoscope to monitor the growth of the polyps. However, if the nasal polyps are extensive and accompanied by clinical symptoms, and conservative treatment proves ineffective, surgery may need to be considered. Currently, endoscopic surgery is commonly performed and is generally very effective with minimal trauma.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do nasal polyps definitely have to be removed?

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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is the recurrence rate of nasal polyps high?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. Generally, the recurrence rate of nasal polyps is not particularly high. However, some patients are more likely to experience recurrences, especially those with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or familial genetic factors. These patients are relatively more prone to recurrence. Additionally, incomplete surgery or failure to timely visit an otolaryngology clinic for postoperative nasal cavity cleaning can also lead to recurrence. After treatment, it is necessary to have regular check-ups to monitor the recovery of the condition. If early symptoms of recurrence appear, targeted conservative medical treatment can be administered. After such treatment, many patients' conditions can be well controlled.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Are nasal polyps serious?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngologic disease, and for the most part, most patients are not too serious; only a small number of patients have more severe nasal polyps with more obvious symptoms. In terms of treatment, if the nasal polyps are few and the clinical symptoms are not particularly pronounced, conservative medical treatment can be considered. Commonly used are corticosteroid nasal sprays, and physiological saline can be used to rinse the nasal cavity to help improve clinical symptoms; if there are many nasal polyps and the clinical symptoms are very pronounced, and standard medication treatment is ineffective, surgery may be considered. A common procedure is endoscopic nasal polyp removal. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor according to specific circumstances.)