What are the treatment methods for nasal polyps besides surgery?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 10, 2025
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Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. The treatment methods are mainly divided into two major categories. The first category is surgical treatment, and the second is conservative treatment. Those who prefer not to undergo surgery should undergo nasopharyngoscopic examination to assess the specific extent of the lesion. If the lesion is relatively localized and the clinical symptoms are not particularly significant, conservative pharmaceutical treatment can be considered. Common medications include nasal spray drugs, and oral medications may also be considered. It is also recommended to rinse the nasal cavity with saline solution. However, regular reviews are necessary to dynamically observe changes in the nasal polyps. If the condition is severe and the symptoms of blockage are quite apparent, surgery might be required. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Nasal polyps minimally invasive surgery how long

Minimally invasive surgery for nasal polyps usually refers to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In patients with nasal polyps obstructing the nasal passages, the polyps are removed under visualization using a nasal endoscope. For patients with bilateral nasal polyps, the surgery generally lasts about one to one and a half hours. Patients with nasal polyps typically experience significant symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches. These polyps block the sinus openings, affecting sinus drainage, thus surgery is usually necessary. After undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery, patients should avoid hot baths, foot baths, and vigorous exercise to prevent post-operative bleeding due to increased blood circulation.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Nasal polyps are located in the nose.

Nasal polyps are growths located in our nasal area, which is divided into the external nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. Nasal polyps primarily develop within our nasal cavity. For some polyps that originate from the sinuses, such as those from the ethmoid sinus or the maxillary sinus, they may initially grow within a sinus cavity. As they increase in size, they can protrude into our nasal cavity and even extend outside it, becoming directly visible. Therefore, nasal polyps mainly grow in our nasal cavity or sinus cavities. They do not develop on our external nose or in our nasopharyngeal region. The most common locations for them are in the nasal cavity and sinus cavities.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Will nasal polyps grow back after being removed?

Nasal polyps are a common and frequently occurring clinical condition, representing benign neoplasms of the nasal cavity. Currently, the primary treatment for nasal polyps is their removal via endoscopic surgery, generally accompanied by surgery to open the sinus cavities. After nasal polyp surgery, there is a certain rate of recurrence, so measures must be taken to reduce this recurrence, such as regular post-operative clinic visits to clean the nasal and sinus cavities. Additionally, aggressive medication treatments are required after surgery, such as the use of budesonide nasal spray, along with other supportive medications. During surgery, it is crucial to remove the roots of the nasal polyps as thoroughly as possible and also to remove the diseased mucosal tissues as much as feasible. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a clinical doctor, based on the specific circumstances.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be eradicated by medication?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common type of nasal disease. In terms of treatment, some patients can opt for medication, commonly using corticosteroid nasal sprays. After medical treatment, nasal polyps may gradually recede in some patients, but for others, the treatment might not be effective, especially in severe cases accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, headache, and dizziness. In such cases, surgical removal may be considered. Currently, the common procedure is endoscopic nasal polyp surgery, which is a minimally invasive surgery with generally good outcomes and minimal damage. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor to avoid misuse.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How to completely treat nasal polyps?

A thorough treatment for nasal polyps is surgical treatment; this includes a combination of post-surgical medication and regular follow-up examinations for a comprehensive treatment. First, it is important to identify the cause of the nasal polyps, which often stem from chronic inflammation in the nasal cavity or sinuses leading to mucosal polypoid changes and consequently, nasal polyps. For instance, common conditions like allergic rhinitis can also lead to nasal polyps over time. After removing the polyps through surgery, it is necessary to treat allergies as well, because without managing the allergies, the polyps might recur quickly. Additionally, after the surgery, it's important to conduct a pathological examination to check if there is an increase in eosinophil count; with more than 27% increase, the chance of recurrence is quite high. According to some reports, eosinophilic type nasal polyps have a recurrence rate of up to 90%. Therefore, regular postoperative reviews and cleanings are essential to prevent recurrence and are key to achieving a cure.