What does it mean when nasal polyps bleed?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 07, 2025
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Nasal polyp bleeding mainly has three causes. One reason is that the nasal polyp damages the structure of the nose. Since nasal polyps are a space-occupying lesion, they gradually enlarge, compress the nasal structures, and damage the mucosa and blood vessels of the nose, which can lead to nasal bleeding. The second reason is that the nasal polyp itself may be a bleeding necrotic nasal polyp. This type of bleeding necrotic nasal polyp is very prone to bleeding, and even minor injuries or damage can lead to bleeding. The third reason is that bleeding necrotic nasal polyps might be a manifestation of the disease. As the nasal polyp enlarges, if such an enlarged polyp becomes lodged in a sinus opening or in the nasal cavity, it can lead to ischemic necrosis, which after occurring, can cause bleeding. In summary, these are the three main cases.

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Written by Li Rui
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Are nasal polyps likely to be malignant?

Nasal polyps generally have a low chance of being malignant, as they are typically considered benign lesions and are a relatively common condition in otolaryngology. The main consideration is the specific number of polyps; if there are fewer polyps and they are localized, and the clinical symptoms are not particularly severe, this situation generally can be managed with medication treatment and regular follow-up. However, if the nasal polyps are extensive and accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, and dizziness, surgery is generally considered. After the surgery, a pathological biopsy will be necessary to accurately determine whether the polyps are benign or malignant based on the biopsy results.

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What medicine is good for nasal polyps to heal quickly?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in the nasal cavity, sometimes originating from the sinuses, characterized as translucent, colorless, lychee-like neoplasms without blood vessels or nerve distribution. Clinically, nasal polyps are primarily diagnosed and removed during nasal endoscopic surgery. Certain medications can be used early in the development of nasal polyps, including corticosteroid drugs such as nasal sprays, nasal corticosteroids, and oral corticosteroids. These can control, and in some very small cases, even eliminate nasal polyps. However, this possibility is extremely rare in clinical practice because by the time patients seek treatment for nasal polyps at a hospital, the polyps are usually relatively large, and these medications are no longer effective for fundamental treatment. Therefore, nasal polyps are generally treated surgically. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What will happen if nasal polyps are not treated?

The consequences of untreated nasal polyps vary among individuals. For some, the effects may be relatively severe, while for others it may not be very noticeable. It primarily depends on the size of the nasal polyps themselves. If the polyps are small and do not cause significant clinical symptoms, even without prompt treatment, their slow growth may lead to no significant symptoms. However, if there are many polyps and they grow rapidly, it can easily lead to nasal congestion, a runny nose, and reduced sense of smell. Some patients may also develop sinusitis due to poor ventilation and drainage in the nasal cavity. In severe cases where there are excessive amounts of nasal polyps, it can even affect the development of the nasal structure, leading to conditions like a crooked nose or saddle nose.

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Otolaryngology
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Is nasal polyp surgery under general anesthesia dangerous?

Nasal polyps are currently primarily treated by two methods: medication and surgery. If there are many polyps, surgery is usually considered necessary. There are two types of anesthesia used in surgery: local anesthesia and general anesthesia. Generally speaking, general anesthesia, administered through endotracheal intubation or a laryngeal mask, is relatively safe and does not significantly affect the surgery or the patient themselves. However, there are certain risks involved, such as anesthesia accidents or slow metabolism of anesthetic drugs, which could trigger other or existing underlying diseases, further increasing the risk. Additionally, there could be damage to the nasal cavity or structures around the nose, such as periorbital ecchymosis, nasal bleeding, severe bleeding leading to shock, and some might experience changes in vision or visual field, or effects on the olfactory nerves.

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What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are benign tumors that occur inside the nasal cavity. Generally, the appearance of nasal polyps is associated with chronic inflammatory stimulation, repeated irritation of the turbinate mucosa leading to congestion, edema, prolapse, and hyperplasia of the turbinate mucosa, which causes nasal polyps. They are also often secondary to allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps can cause bilateral nasal congestion in patients, which tends to persist and worsen, while mucous secretions may also flow from the nasal cavity. In severe cases, patients may experience facial swelling, pain, headaches, and other related symptoms. During examination, pale white lychee-like, soft new growths that are usually painless can be found inside the nasal cavity. In terms of treatment, nasal polyps require endoscopic nasal polypectomy. The surgery requires hospitalization, general anesthesia, and postoperative antibiotics to prevent local infection. Patients can usually recover and be discharged about a week after the surgery. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)