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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is it safe to have a second surgery for nasal polyps?

The surgery for nasal polyps is primarily performed under general anesthesia, involving the removal of the nasal polyps and functional endoscopic sinus surgery. All surgeries carry certain risks, thus secondary surgeries for nasal polyps also entail risks. Moreover, since the initial surgery alters the normal anatomical structure of the nasal polyps and their surroundings, the difficulty of the surgery increases, thereby slightly raising the risk of a secondary procedure. The third point is that the surgery is now performed under direct endoscopic vision. Although this type of surgery carries risks—and indeed, all surgeries do—the likelihood of these risks is relatively small, so there is no need for excessive worry.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can erythromycin be used for nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological (ENT) disease. In terms of medication, if it's just simple nasal polyps, it is not advisable to use erythromycin. This is because erythromycin is a common type of antibiotic, primarily used for treating bacterial infections. However, if the nasal polyps are accompanied by sinusitis, then the use of erythromycin could be considered. For patients with nasal polyps, it is necessary to visit an ENT specialist after the onset of the condition. By conducting examinations such as nasal endoscopy, sinus CT scans, and routine blood tests, the severity of the condition can be assessed, thereby facilitating targeted treatment. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are needed to observe the specific effects of the treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What will happen if nasal polyps worsen?

If nasal polyps deteriorate, it might lead to associated clinical symptoms, commonly including nasal congestion, runny nose, bloody nasal discharge, headaches, dizziness, and a reduced sense of smell. A small portion of patients may also experience malignant transformation. The specific clinical symptoms vary from individual to individual. After the onset of the condition, it is necessary to promptly visit an otolaryngology department. Undergoing a sinus CT and endoscopic examination can help assess the severity and extent of the condition. Regarding treatment, some patients may consider conservative medication treatment, but others with more severe conditions where the medication is ineffective might need to consider surgical treatment.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is nasal polyp surgery painful?

Nasal polyps are space-occupying lesions that occur in the nasal cavity and sinus cavity. After the discovery of nasal polyps, they are usually removed surgically. Currently, the surgery for nasal polyps is performed under general anesthesia using functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which involves removing the nasal polyps and opening the sinus ostia. There is no significant pain during the surgery, as it is conducted under general anesthesia. After the surgery, the nasal cavity is packed with some hemostatic materials. There is discomfort when this nasal packing material is removed on the second day after the surgery, but this discomfort is only significant during the removal and subsides afterward. Therefore, there is some pain associated with nasal polyp surgery, but the pain is not very severe.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps currently exhibit a variety of symptoms, which should be considered comprehensively based on individual reactions and the condition itself. If the polyps are localized and small, they might not show any clinical symptoms. In such cases, a nasopharyngoscope examination can be used for diagnosis. If there are multiple polyps or if the polyps are located in special positions, they might cause clinical symptoms such as poor nasal ventilation, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache, and dizziness. Some patients might experience changes in vision or facial swelling, numbness, and headaches due to accompanying sinusitis or other sinonasal disorders. Overall, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a nasopharyngoscope examination to make a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis.