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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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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The causes of nasal polyps formation

Nasal polyps are a relatively common ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) disorder, with various causes. Common causes include genetic factors and may also be due to chronic allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. Some patients develop nasal polyps because of frequent exposure to dust or other chemical substances. There are significant individual differences in the specific causes of the disease. After the onset of the disease, it is necessary to visit an ENT specialist. Procedures like a nasal endoscopy or a sinus CT scan can be performed to assess the severity of the condition, which will assist in determining targeted treatments. During the treatment process, regular check-ups are needed to observe the recovery progress of the condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Are nasal polyps serious?

Overall, it is generally not very severe. Most patients with nasal polyps have localized conditions, which may be accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness. Initially, a nasopharyngoscopy is required to determine the specific range of the polyps and clarify if there are any other pathologic conditions. If the diseased area is extensive, further nasal sinus CT scans may be needed to determine if there are any abnormalities in the sinuses. In terms of treatment, conservative treatment is recommended for patients with small polyps and non-significant symptoms. However, if the polyps are numerous and there are notable clinical symptoms, surgical removal should be considered. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the recovery situation.

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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.