Can nasal polyps be treated without surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 23, 2025
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

Can nasal polyps be treated conservatively?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngologic condition. Some patients may consider conservative treatment, particularly when the severity of the nasal polyps is mild. If, after standard conservative medication treatment, the severity of the nasal polyps does not gradually improve but instead worsens, or if the initial severity of the nasal polyps is high, conservative medication treatment may not be effective. In such cases, surgical treatment should be considered. Currently, the most common procedure is endoscopic nasal polyp removal surgery, which is a minimally invasive surgery. Overall, the surgery tends to have good outcomes and relatively minor damage. However, it requires regular check-ups to monitor the effectiveness of the surgery.

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

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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Can people with nasal polyps smoke?

Patients with nasal polyps are advised not to smoke, as cigarettes contain various chemicals that may directly irritate the nasal mucosa and cause related clinical symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, and headaches or dizziness. For patients with nasal polyps, it is recommended to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and to avoid contact with irritative substances. If symptoms develop, it is important to seek medical attention at an otolaryngology department promptly. An endoscopic examination of the nose and a sinus CT scan can be performed to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment might include oral medications and nasal sprays, and rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution. However, if the condition is severe and does not respond well to conservative drug treatment, surgery may need to be considered.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Do you need to be hospitalized for nasal polyp surgery?

The surgery for nasal polyps is performed under general anesthesia using endoscopic techniques to excise the polyps. The procedure places high demands on the patient's overall health, but typically yields good results. As such, hospitalization is required for nasal polyp surgery, as it often involves additional procedures such as sinus opening and correction of a deviated nasal septum. Nasal polyps are generally caused by sinusitis, rhinitis, or chronic inflammation over a long period of time. Simply removing the nasal polyps may lead to recurrence. In order to thoroughly treat nasal polyps, and address chronic inflammation, sinus issues, and anatomical abnormalities such as a deviated nasal septum, specific treatments are required during surgery. This not only effectively eradicates the nasal polyps but also helps prevent their recurrence. Therefore, hospitalization is required for this type of surgery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.)