Can nasal polyps go away on their own?

I've had a stuffy nose and headaches for two months now, and a CT scan revealed nasal polyps. Will this condition resolve on its own, and what is the treatment? (Quoc Khanh, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

Nasal polyps are benign tumors in the nasal cavity, affecting approximately 1-4% of the population, with the incidence increasing with age.

Polyps originate from inflammatory degeneration of the nasal and sinus mucosa, commonly occurring in patients with allergic rhinitis, acute and chronic infections, cystic fibrosis, etc. These conditions cause prolonged edema, inflammation, and damage to the nasal and sinus mucosa, leading to degeneration and polyp formation. Approximately 30% of patients with nasal polyps test positive for allergens (pollen, dust, animal dander, etc.).

Polyps can form in the structures of the nasal sinuses, most commonly in the sinus passages that drain into the nasal cavity, and in the superior, middle, and inferior turbinates. The condition increases mucus secretion and causes congestion, leading to nasal blockage, facial pain, and reduced or lost sense of smell. Symptoms are similar to sinusitis or the common cold, making it difficult to distinguish. However, cold symptoms usually resolve after 1-2 weeks, while polyp symptoms persist.

A routine nasal endoscopy can detect nasal polyps. However, if the polyps are located deep within the sinuses, or if the doctor suspects a large, diffuse polyp on both sides, the patient may be prescribed a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the extent and plan treatment if necessary. These methods also help doctors differentiate them from other tumor-like lesions in the nasal and sinus region.

Nasal polyps do not disappear on their own without treatment. Polyps can grow in size over time and cause health complications.

If you experience persistent nasal congestion and loss of smell, you should consult an ENT specialist and follow their prescribed treatment plan. Treatment methods depend on the severity of nasal polyps and your overall health. Patients are usually treated medically with medication; if this is ineffective, surgery may be necessary.

Medications such as corticosteroid sprays or oral medications, and antihistamines can help reduce nasal and sinus symptoms and shrink small polyps. However, cases involving large polyps, polyps causing airway obstruction, sinusitis, or polyps on one side that may obscure benign or malignant tumors often require surgery.

Simple nasal polyp removal surgery usually uses a microdebrider tissue shaver or, most commonly, endoscopic surgery. Endoscopic polyp removal not only removes the polyps but also widens the inflamed and blocked sinus openings.

Endoscopes and endoscopic instruments allow surgeons to observe the sinuses using a magnifying camera and perform procedures in hard-to-reach areas. After surgery, patients experience improved nasal and sinus drainage, no scarring, and receive treatment to reduce inflammation with nasal sprays, antihistamines, and daily nasal irrigation with saline solution.

To prevent the disease, you should pay attention to humidifying the air in your home, managing seasonal allergies, keeping your house clean, avoiding smoke, dust, and cold, and avoiding irritants such as alcohol, beer, and tobacco. Visit an ENT doctor for annual checkups of your nasal sinuses to prevent polyp recurrence.

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