Nasal polyps are benign growths in the nasal passages and sinuses, typically soft and painless. Small polyps often cause few symptoms, making them difficult to detect. As they grow, polyps obstruct airflow and sinus drainage, leading to chronic nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, bleeding, snoring, phlegm, facial pain, and headaches. While nasal polyp symptoms often resemble those of rhinosinusitis or the common cold, cold symptoms typically resolve after one to two weeks, whereas polyp symptoms persist.

Nasal polyps do not disappear without treatment. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are often the initial treatment for small to medium-sized nasal polyps. These sprays help reduce inflammation in the nasal and sinus lining, shrink polyps, clear airways, and improve nasal congestion.

However, these medications only control inflammation; they do not completely eliminate polyps. When the nasal lining is irritated by allergens or chronic rhinosinusitis, symptoms can easily flare up, and polyps tend to regrow. Therefore, nasal polyps are almost impossible to cure completely with nasal sprays alone.

Doctor Tu performs a nasal endoscopy on a patient. *Illustration: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7*

For large polyps that cause airway obstruction, recurrent sinusitis, or when medical treatment is no longer effective, doctors often recommend endoscopic polypectomy. After surgery, patients still need to rinse their nose daily with physiological saline, wear a mask outdoors, use a humidifier, and avoid dusty or smoky environments to prevent recurrence.

Doctor Le Quoc Tu, a Specialist Level I in the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at Tam Anh General Clinic District 7, advises patients to consult an ENT specialist for an assessment of their polyp's severity, rather than self-medicating and stopping treatment based on symptom perception. Additionally, managing any underlying conditions, such as allergies or chronic rhinosinusitis, is important.