Can nasal polyps be washed with saline?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 08, 2025
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Nasal polyps can be considered for saline irrigation, with the main types of saline used being physiological saline or physiological seawater. The main function is to help improve nasal ventilation and reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa. It also has some therapeutic effects for patients with poor sense of smell. However, overall, saline irrigation is still considered an auxiliary treatment method, and it is recommended to consider medication treatment. If the nasal polyps cover a wide range and the clinical symptoms are quite apparent, it could also be accompanied by sinusitis. Under such circumstances, endoscopic surgery might be necessary, which involves the removal of nasal polyps under endoscopy. Depending on the condition of sinusitis, concurrent sinus opening surgery might be required. It is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a formal diagnostic evaluation to determine the best treatment approach.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How to treat nasal polyps?

The treatment of nasal polyps mainly centers on surgical intervention as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy, due to the variety of causes and factors leading to the condition. Moreover, some nasal polyps are prone to recurrence. The first choice is surgical treatment, which involves thoroughly clearing the nasal polyps and then addressing any anatomical and inflammatory factors that may cause them. For example, correcting a deviated nasal septum, opening the sinuses, and relieving chronic sinus inflammation. Postoperatively, it is crucial to actively provide hormonal treatment, including nasal and oral steroids, tailored to the individual's needs. Concurrently, it is important to maintain nasal irrigation and regular follow-up cleanings. Postoperative pathological results help assess the likelihood of recurrence, and for types prone to recurrence, intensified follow-up measures are necessary.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How is nasal polyp surgery performed?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in our nasal cavities. Nasal polyps do not have a distribution of nerves and blood vessels. Once nasal polyps occur, the main treatment is surgical removal. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. We expose the nasal polyps using an endoscope, and then remove the nasal polyps using forceps or an electric suction cutter. The surgical operation is relatively simple. However, it is important to protect the surrounding structures such as the eyes and brain during the surgery to avoid damaging these tissues. After surgery, it is common to pack the nasal cavity, and the entire procedure generally requires a hospital stay of about one week.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of recurrent nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a common disease in otolaryngology. The occurrence of nasal polyps is due to chronic inflammation of the nasal cavity and stimulation by physical and chemical factors, leading to proliferative lesions of the nasal mucosa and the formation of nasal polyps. The most effective treatment for patients with nasal polyps is functional endoscopic sinus surgery. After surgery, it is important to change dressings in a timely manner and perform regular follow-ups to prevent recurrence of the nasal polyps. Patients with recurrent nasal polyps usually exhibit significant symptoms such as nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, headaches, and nasal obstruction. Recurrence can be confirmed through follow-up examinations such as a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses or electronic frontier inspection.

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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.