Can nasal polyps be cured?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 10, 2025
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Nasal polyps are a relatively common disease and are benign neoplasms in the nasal cavity. Overall, the treatment results are quite good. In terms of treatment, there are mainly two categories: surgical treatment and conservative medical treatment. Surgical treatment is mainly suitable for cases where nasal polyps are extensive and widespread, and where conservative treatment has been ineffective. In such cases, surgery to remove the polyps is generally recommended. Currently, endoscopic sinus surgery is commonly performed to remove nasal polyps, and if accompanied by sinusitis, concomitant sinusotomy can also be performed. Overall, the surgical outcomes are quite definitive, and the procedure involves minimal trauma and offers a faster recovery. If the extent of nasal polyps is small and localized, without significant clinical symptoms, most cases can consider a combination of medical treatment and nasal irrigation. However, both medical and surgical treatments may have ineffective results or the possibility of disease recurrence. Therefore, after treatment, long-term regular check-ups are necessary to monitor for recurrence, and further treatment will be needed promptly if recurrence occurs.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
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Nasal polyps have become necrotic.

Nasal polyps developing erosion is a common clinical manifestation in daily life, mainly due to the rupture and ulceration of the polyp surface caused by blowing or picking the nose after the growth of nasal polyps. Patients usually experience symptoms such as localized bleeding, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. For patients with nasal polyps, it is essential first to complete related examinations such as paranasal sinus CT and electronic nasopharyngoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. At the same time, it is crucial to visit the hospital timely, and surgical removal of the polyp tissue can be performed to improve the patient's nasal ventilation and restore normal breathing.

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Written by Li Rui
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Can nasal polyps heal by themselves?

There is a possibility of spontaneous healing for nasal polyps, but this possibility is relatively low. For cases with fewer polyps, conservative treatment with medication is generally recommended, commonly involving spray medications, along with saline nasal irrigation. However, it is necessary to regularly re-examine and observe the treatment results. If there are many polyps and the results of conservative treatment are not satisfactory, then surgical removal may be required. Currently, the common practice is to remove nasal polyps via endoscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure with generally good overall results, less damage, and shorter recovery time. However, regular follow-up is required as some patients may experience recurrence after the surgery.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
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What will happen if nasal polyps are not operated on?

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.

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a fairly common otolaryngological condition with a relatively high incidence clinically. There is significant individual variation in clinical symptoms. Some patients have few nasal polyps and might not show obvious clinical symptoms; these are often discovered only during a physical examination or a nasopharyngoscopy. Other patients may experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness. In cases where the polyps are particularly numerous and have been present for a long time, they may even cause deformities of the nose, such as a "frog nose" or "saddle nose." In such cases, timely surgical treatment should be considered, and regular follow-up inspections are needed to monitor for any recurrence.