Nasal polyps are a common ENT disease. They are translucent edema-like benign tumors caused by long-term inflammatory reactions in the nasal and sinus mucosa. Experts from Hunan Women and Children's Hospital said that the formation and development of nasal polyps is a complex process involving multiple factors, including chronic inflammatory stimulation, allergic rhinitis, etc.

The symptoms of nasal polyps can vary depending on individual differences and factors such as the size and location of the polyps.

ENT specialist: Common symptoms of nasal polyps

1. Persistent nasal congestion: The most common symptom. As the polyps grow, the nasal congestion gradually worsens and may change from intermittent to persistent, or even lead to complete obstruction of the nasal cavity.

2. Decreased sense of smell: Nasal polyps block the olfactory area, causing airflow to be unable to reach the olfactory area, resulting in decreased or loss of sense of smell.

3. Runny nose: Polyps may stimulate the nasal cavity to secrete more mucus, causing runny nose, which is sometimes clear and may become purulent in case of secondary infection.

4. Headache and tinnitus: Nasal polyps may lead to poor sinus drainage, causing pain in the forehead and cheeks, as well as symptoms such as tinnitus, stuffy ears and hearing loss.

5. Frog nose: If nasal polyps are not treated for a long time, it may cause the nasal dorsum to widen, forming a "frog nose" and affecting appearance.

In addition, nasal polyps may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as blockage nasal sound, snoring during sleep, and mouth breathing.

How to treat it?

The treatment of nasal polyps mainly includes drug therapy and surgical treatment

1. Drug treatment: For small polyps at the beginning, oral hormones or nasal spray hormones can be used for treatment. These drugs can reduce the inflammatory response of the nasal mucosa and shrink or eliminate polyps.

2. Surgical treatment: For larger polyps or polyps that are not effectively treated with drugs, surgical treatment is required. The surgery is usually performed under nasal endoscopy to remove the polyps and open the sinuses to improve nasal ventilation and drainage. Anti-allergic drugs are also required after surgery to reduce the recurrence of polyps.

The treatment method for nasal polyps needs to be selected according to the specific situation of the patient. Drug treatment is suitable for patients with small polyps or mild symptoms at the beginning, while surgical treatment is suitable for patients with larger polyps or those who are not effective in drug treatment.

How to care after surgery?

1. After the operation, you need to follow the doctor's advice for care, such as avoiding strenuous exercise, regularly cleaning the nasal cavity, etc. At the same time, you also need to use nasal spray hormones, antihistamines, and drugs that inhibit leukotrienes for consolidation treatment.

2. There is a certain risk of recurrence after nasal polyp surgery, so patients need to be followed up and re-examined regularly. Through follow-up and re-examination, doctors can understand the patient's recovery in time and adjust the treatment plan according to the situation.

How to prevent it?

1. Actively prevent and treat colds: Add or remove clothes in time according to seasonal changes to avoid nasal inflammation caused by colds.

2. Improve your lifestyle: quit smoking and drinking, avoid spicy food, alcohol and other irritating foods, strengthen physical exercise, and improve your body's resistance

3. Keep the air fresh: The working and living environment should keep the air fresh and avoid long-term exposure to toxic gases, pollution and dust.

4. Timely treatment of nasal diseases: Actively treat various primary nasal diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, to reduce the occurrence of nasal polyps.

In short, nasal polyps are a common nasal disease with various symptoms, and the treatment methods include medication and surgery. Through active treatment and prevention measures, the development of nasal polyps can be effectively controlled and the quality of life of patients can be improved.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Zhou Zhuoyu, Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hunan Women and Children's Hospital

Follow @湖南医聊 to get more health science information!

(Edited by Wx)