Can nasal polyps cause headaches?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 15, 2024
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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
51sec home-news-image

How come there is bleeding from nasal polyps?

Patients with nasal polyps experiencing nosebleeds can have many causes. It might be due to hemorrhagic polyps, erosion of the nasal mucosa, dry nasal cavities, or rupture of small blood vessels. Some patients may have sinusitis accompanying their nasal polyps, with significant inflammatory responses that could also lead to nosebleeds. However, it's necessary to check for other conditions, such as nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, malignant tumors in the nasal cavity or sinuses, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, or blood disorders like coagulation dysfunction and thrombocytopenia. It is advisable to visit an ENT specialist and undergo nasopharyngoscopy, sinus CT scans, blood tests, and coagulation function tests to make an accurate diagnosis.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 11sec home-news-image

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.)

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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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Will nasal polyps recur after surgery?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngologic condition. In terms of treatment, some patients may consider conservative medication, while others may need to consider surgical treatment. Both medical and surgical treatments can potentially recur. Therefore, after nasal polyp surgery, long-term regular follow-ups are necessary. Generally, it is recommended to have a follow-up once a week, and if the condition recovers well, the follow-up interval can be extended to about once a month. During the follow-up, a nasopharyngoscopy can be performed to check the specific recovery status. Additionally, many patients may need to use corticosteroid nasal sprays. Also, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline is recommended. Generally, with standardized follow-ups and treatment, the chances of recurrence are relatively small. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Nasal polyps bleeding is a symptom.

Nasal polyps accompanied by bleeding can have various causes. It might be due to hemorrhagic polyps, bleeding from the nasal mucosa, rupture of small blood vessels due to dry nasal cavities, or potentially sinusitis associated with the nasal polyps causing the bleeding. A small number of patients may have blood disorders such as coagulation dysfunction or thrombocytopenia. In such cases, it is necessary to visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist for a nasopharyngoscope examination, complete blood count, and coagulation function tests to determine the specific causes of the condition, and then to proceed with targeted treatment. Surgery might be considered for some patients.