Where to apply moxibustion for nasal polyps?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 01, 2025
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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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Can nasal polyps be felt by touch?

Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms that occur in our nasal cavity. Clinically, nasal polyps in their early stages are primarily located in the middle nasal passage. As the nasal polyps enlarge, they can also be found in the middle nasal passage, and severe ones might even protrude from our anterior nostrils onto our face. Thus, for larger nasal polyps, we can physically feel them; they feel very soft and not very elastic. However, they are somewhat resilient and can move significantly because most nasal polyps are pedunculated within our nasal cavity. Additionally, there is often a lot of nasal mucus.

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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Are nasal polyps serious?

Overall, it is generally not very severe. Most patients with nasal polyps have localized conditions, which may be accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headaches, and dizziness. Initially, a nasopharyngoscopy is required to determine the specific range of the polyps and clarify if there are any other pathologic conditions. If the diseased area is extensive, further nasal sinus CT scans may be needed to determine if there are any abnormalities in the sinuses. In terms of treatment, conservative treatment is recommended for patients with small polyps and non-significant symptoms. However, if the polyps are numerous and there are notable clinical symptoms, surgical removal should be considered. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the recovery situation.

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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is the recurrence rate of nasal polyps high?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological disease. Generally, the recurrence rate of nasal polyps is not particularly high. However, some patients are more likely to experience recurrences, especially those with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or familial genetic factors. These patients are relatively more prone to recurrence. Additionally, incomplete surgery or failure to timely visit an otolaryngology clinic for postoperative nasal cavity cleaning can also lead to recurrence. After treatment, it is necessary to have regular check-ups to monitor the recovery of the condition. If early symptoms of recurrence appear, targeted conservative medical treatment can be administered. After such treatment, many patients' conditions can be well controlled.