Have you grown accustomed to year-round nasal congestion,
even forgetting what it feels like to breathe freely?
Is one or both sides of your nose always blocked,
forcing you to rely on nasal sprays just to fall asleep?
Have you noticed that food tastes bland, coffee has no aroma,
and even the most familiar scents in life are gradually fading away?
If you’re nodding frequently, what you’re experiencing is likely not a “stubborn cold” or “common allergy,” but an uninvited guest that has quietly taken over your nasal passage—nasal polyps.
Not Just “a Lump of Flesh,”
But a Product of Chronic Inflammation
01
Many people mistakenly believe that nasal polyps are just an extra piece of “flesh” in the nasal cavity. In reality, they are not. They are grayish-white, semi-translucent tissues formed by edema and hyperplasia of the nasal or sinus mucosa due to long-term inflammatory stimulation (such as allergies, infections, or immune abnormalities). They resemble “lychee flesh” in appearance.
Think of them as a sponge that has been repeatedly soaked and swollen—not only do they block breathing, but they also persistently cause a range of discomforts. Current research shows that nasal polyps are often associated with chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, allergic predisposition, and genetic factors.
Symptoms Vary
Depending on Polyp Location
02
Nasal polyps do not all grow in the same place. Their location determines the specific problems they cause. Based on symptoms, we can even make a preliminary guess about where they might be growing.
1
Near the Ethmoid Sinus
→ Loss or Decline of Sense of Smell
Scents need to reach the olfactory cleft at the top of the nasal cavity to be perceived. If polyps block this area, you will gradually lose the ability to smell fragrances or detect dangerous odors (like gas leaks), severely affecting your quality of life.
2
In the Maxillary or Sphenoid Sinus
→ Purulent Discharge, Headache, and Facial Pain
Polyps blocking the sinus openings prevent secretions from draining, leading to sinusitis. This is accompanied by dull headaches, facial swelling and pain, which worsen when bending over.
3
In the Nasal Passage or Nasopharynx
→ Persistent Congestion, Snoring, and Mouth Breathing
This is the most common location, directly obstructing airflow. Initially, one side may be blocked, but it often progresses to both sides, worsening at night and causing snoring, dry mouth, and recurrent pharyngitis, leading to daytime fatigue.
Note: Many patients have polyps growing in multiple locations, so the above symptoms often appear in combination.
Don’t Delay!
Seek Timely Medical Attention
03
Delaying treatment not only worsens symptoms and affects quality of life but may also lead to more problems such as sleep apnea and otitis media, increasing the difficulty of后续 treatment.
When faced with the long-term burden of nasal polyps, the most important step is to take immediate action and see an ENT specialist!
Step 1: Accurate Diagnosis
An ENT doctor will use a nasal endoscope to directly examine the inside of your nasal cavity. If necessary, a sinus CT scan will be performed to clearly assess the extent of the polyps and sinus involvement, enabling a targeted treatment plan.
Step 2: Scientific Treatment
Medication Management
This primarily includes oral medications, nasal corticosteroid sprays, and supplemental saline rinses. These effectively reduce inflammation, shrink polyps, and alleviate symptoms such as congestion and runny nose. They form the basis of initial treatment and long-term management for many patients.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
When medication is ineffective, polyps are large, or there are severe anatomical abnormalities, endoscopic sinus surgery can be chosen. ENT doctors use high-definition video endoscopes to precisely locate and remove polyps, open up the sinuses, and improve airflow.
Biological Agents
For patients who are averse to surgery or experience recurrent nasal polyps, biological agents offer an innovative long-term solution for effective condition control.
Unlike traditional medications that broadly suppress the immune system, biological agents like dupilumab act like “precision-guided missiles,” specifically blocking key signaling molecules in type 2 inflammation. This inhibits the inflammatory response at its source, thereby controlling polyp growth.
To learn more about dupilumab, click → (Article Title: "Kangyueda," a New Drug for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, Now Available at Shenzhen Renshu ENT Hospital")
Don’t accept nasal congestion as normal, and don’t give up on the joy of smelling.
Early examination, diagnosis, and treatment
are the true keys to reclaiming free breathing and rediscovering the fragrance of life.
Stop enduring—start with a doctor’s appointment!
