Can nasal polyps be cured?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 01, 2025
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Nasal polyps are curable, and patients can be cured through localized surgical treatment. The cause of nasal polyps is unknown, generally due to chronic inflammatory stimulation, leading to bilateral nasal turbinate mucosal diffuse congestion, edema, proliferation, and prolapse, resulting in nasal polyps. They are also often secondary to allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps generally occur bilaterally, causing the patient to have persistent nasal congestion that progressively worsens. In addition, patients may experience facial swelling, headache, and yellow nasal discharge, among other symptoms. During an examination with an electronic nasoscope, pale lychee-like masses can be observed in the nasal passages on both sides. These are soft, painless, and not prone to bleeding. In terms of treatment, nasal polyps require endoscopic nasal polyp removal surgery and sinus opening surgery for a cure.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 9sec home-news-image

Where to apply moxibustion for nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps cannot be treated through moxibustion, as they are benign or malignant tumors of the nasal cavity. Local surgery is required for treatment. The causes of nasal polyps are unknown in clinical settings. Generally, they are directly related to the patient's long-term chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis, resulting from persistent congestion, edema, proliferation, and dehydration of the nasal mucosa. Patients will experience progressive bilateral nasal congestion, along with a foreign body sensation and swelling in the nasal cavity, which can also lead to diminished sense of smell, memory loss, and other related symptoms. A detailed examination with an endoscopic nasal examination and sinus CT scan at a hospital can confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, nasal polyps cannot be cured through conservative treatment. An endoscopic polypectomy can cure the condition. Post-surgery, patients need to exercise, avoid catching colds to prevent recurrence.

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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 nasal polyps heal by themselves?

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
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Do nasal polyps need surgical removal?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition, and the treatment methods are generally divided into two categories. The first category is surgical treatment, and the second is conservative medical treatment. Therefore, the choice of treatment mainly depends on the severity of the patient's condition, the patient's own wishes, and their overall health. If the condition is mild and the clinical symptoms are not obvious, medical treatment can be considered first to see the effects. If the condition is severe, the nasal polyps are extensive, and the clinical symptoms are clear, and if there is no effect after standardized conservative medical treatment, surgical removal should be considered.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps be treated with medication?

Some patients with nasal polyps can opt for medical treatment, as there are mainly two types of treatments for nasal polyps: conservative treatment and surgical removal. For cases with minimal absorption, limited scope, and shorter duration, conservative treatment is generally recommended, primarily using corticosteroid nasal sprays. Regular follow-ups and a sufficient course of medication are necessary, typically rechecking with a rhinoscope every three months, and visiting the otorhinolaryngology department every one to two weeks for a check-up. If conservative treatment is ineffective and the patient has numerous nasal polyps, surgical removal should be considered.