Can nasal polyps heal by themselves?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 13, 2025
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Nasal polyps can potentially heal on their own, but overall, this possibility is relatively small. Once nasal polyps form, they often progressively increase in number and spread in size. Generally, after the onset of the condition, it is necessary to take targeted treatment measures as soon as possible.

If the affected area is relatively mild and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, conservative treatment methods may be considered initially. These usually involve the use of nasal sprays and oral medications, along with nasal irrigation. Most patients can still achieve effective control with these methods. If the area is already quite extensive and the response to medication is poor, then surgery may need to be considered.

(The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

What impact do nasal polyps have on the throat?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. If there are few nasal polyps, they generally do not directly affect the throat. However, if there are many nasal polyps, they can cause nasal congestion, open-mouth breathing, and the backflow of nasal mucus. These factors can irritate the throat, leading to pharyngitis or tonsillitis, which may cause symptoms like a sore and itchy throat and coughing, and may also cause recurrent tonsil inflammation. Therefore, in such cases, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for a nasopharyngoscopy to assess the severity of the condition before proceeding with targeted treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps cause headaches?

Nasal polyps can cause headaches. The exact cause of nasal polyps is unknown, but they are generally due to prolonged chronic inflammation that leads to congestion, swelling, proliferation, and prolapse of the nasal turbinates' mucous membrane, resulting in the appearance of polyps. They are also often secondary to allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps cause persistent nasal congestion, which progressively worsens, leading to persistent hypoxia in patients. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and coughing. During examination, congested and swollen nasal mucosa can be found, and in the middle or general nasal passage, pale, abnormal, soft, painless neoplasms may be detected. In terms of treatment, nasal polyps require endoscopic nasal polypectomy and sinusotomy. After surgery, physical exercise and avoiding colds are necessary to prevent recurrence.

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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if nasal polyps are bleeding?

Nasal polyps accompanied by nasal bleeding can be caused by various reasons. It could possibly be hemorrhagic nasal polyps, or there might be dryness and erosion bleeding of the nasal mucosa, or bleeding due to rupture of small blood vessels, or inflammation-induced bleeding. Therefore, in such cases, it is necessary to promptly visit an otolaryngology department. Consider conducting a nasal endoscopy, routine blood tests, and coagulation function tests, which can help determine the severity of the nasal polyps and the cause of the nasal bleeding. If the extent of nasal bleeding is severe and the nasal polyps are widespread, surgical removal might be considered necessary. After surgery, regular follow-up checks are essential to monitor the recovery process.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Which nasal polyp spray is effective?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal area, clinically manifesting as semi-opaque, lychee-shaped neoplasms. The main clinical treatment for nasal polyps includes comprehensive treatment primarily focused on surgery. In the early stages of nasal polyps, nasal sprays can be administered for treatment, primarily involving corticosteroid nasal hormones such as mometasone furoate nasal spray and fluticasone propionate nasal spray, among other nasal medications. These medications are all nasal corticosteroid hormones, and their effects are more or less the same. Clinically, no one medication is particularly more effective than another, so any of these treatments can be chosen. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)