What will happen if nasal polyps worsen?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 25, 2025
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If nasal polyps deteriorate, it might lead to associated clinical symptoms, commonly including nasal congestion, runny nose, bloody nasal discharge, headaches, dizziness, and a reduced sense of smell. A small portion of patients may also experience malignant transformation. The specific clinical symptoms vary from individual to individual. After the onset of the condition, it is necessary to promptly visit an otolaryngology department. Undergoing a sinus CT and endoscopic examination can help assess the severity and extent of the condition. Regarding treatment, some patients may consider conservative medication treatment, but others with more severe conditions where the medication is ineffective might need to consider surgical treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Can people with nasal polyps smoke?

Patients with nasal polyps are advised not to smoke, as cigarettes contain various chemicals that may directly irritate the nasal mucosa and cause related clinical symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, and headaches or dizziness. For patients with nasal polyps, it is recommended to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and to avoid contact with irritative substances. If symptoms develop, it is important to seek medical attention at an otolaryngology department promptly. An endoscopic examination of the nose and a sinus CT scan can be performed to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment might include oral medications and nasal sprays, and rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution. However, if the condition is severe and does not respond well to conservative drug treatment, surgery may need to be considered.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
1min 15sec home-news-image

How to check for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are benign space-occupying lesions that occur in the nasal cavity and sinus cavities. There are several aspects to the examination of nasal polyps: Firstly, an anterior rhinoscopy examination can be performed. If the nasal polyps are large, or even protruding outside the nasal cavity, they can be directly seen. Anterior rhinoscopy enlarges the nasal cavity, allowing visualization of the middle nasal meatus and other tissues inside the nasal cavity. Secondly, a nasal endoscopy can be utilized. Nasal endoscopy is particularly effective for viewing polyps located deeper within, or at the back of the nasal passages, providing very clear visibility. Other examinations, such as electronic rhinoendoscopy, follow the same procedure. The third examination involves a sinus CT scan, which is helpful for identifying the origin of the nasal polyps, as well as the location, range, and extent of obstruction caused by the polyps. Another examination is the pathological examination after nasal polyp surgery, which aids in determining the origin and risk associated with the nasal polyps, as well as assisting in subsequent treatments.

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long does nasal polyp surgery take?

The duration of hospitalization for nasal polyp surgery is approximately one week, as the surgery requires general anesthesia. Patients need to undergo endoscopic nasal polyp removal and cleaning of the nasal and sinus mucosa. Prior to surgery, routine examinations such as urine and blood tests, chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, and hepatitis B tests are required, along with consultations from relevant departments like respiratory medicine, internal medicine, and anesthesiology to fully assess the patient's vital status. After the surgery, patients need to use an expandable sponge to fill the nasal cavity to prevent local bleeding, and postoperative antibiotics are necessary to avoid local infections. If the patient does not have a fever or local bleeding, they can be discharged a week post-surgery. During the treatment period, it is recommended to drink more water and rest adequately.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How is nasal polyp surgery performed?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms in our nasal cavities. Nasal polyps do not have a distribution of nerves and blood vessels. Once nasal polyps occur, the main treatment is surgical removal. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. We expose the nasal polyps using an endoscope, and then remove the nasal polyps using forceps or an electric suction cutter. The surgical operation is relatively simple. However, it is important to protect the surrounding structures such as the eyes and brain during the surgery to avoid damaging these tissues. After surgery, it is common to pack the nasal cavity, and the entire procedure generally requires a hospital stay of about one week.