Can Nasal Polyp Removal Resolve My Chronic Sinusitis?

You’ve got a stuffy nose, a reduced sense of smell, and facial pressure, sinus issues that aren’t going away. Will they finally disappear if you remove the polyps in your nose?

Philip T. Ho, MD, FACS, at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California, can help answer that question.

Let’s dive into what nasal polyps are, how they relate to chronic sinusitis, and whether surgery can offer lasting relief.

What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous, teardrop-shaped growths that form in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses.

These growths are often linked to inflammation from conditions like chronic sinusitis and allergies. They can be small, go unnoticed, or grow large enough to block nasal airflow and drainage, worsening sinus issues.

What is chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis (or chronic rhinosinusitis) means your sinuses are inflamed for 12 weeks or longer, despite treatment. When nasal polyps are involved, symptoms are often more severe and resistant to conventional treatments.

Symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion
• Postnasal drip
• Facial pain or pressure
• Loss of smell
• Fatigue

When nasal polyps are present alongside these symptoms, the condition is often called chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Can removing polyps cure chronic sinusitis?

Surgical removal of nasal polyps (typically via a minimally invasive sinus surgery) can significantly improve your breathing and reduce sinus drainage.

It relieves the worst symptoms and improves quality of life for many people.

However, it’s essential to understand that surgery is not a cure for the underlying inflammation. The polyps can return if the root causes, like allergies, asthma, or immune responses, aren’t managed.

Additionally, sinusitis may persist even after polyp removal if other factors are contributing to inflammation or infection.

For these reasons, Dr. Ho typically recommends a combination of therapies to control the sinusitis and stall the regrowth of nasal polyps.

What happens after surgery?

Most people feel better after nasal polyp removal, especially when it’s combined with medical therapy. To maintain the benefits of surgery and help prevent recurrence, Dr. Ho tailors treatments to meet your needs.

Your personalized strategy may include:

• Steroid sprays to keep inflammation in check
• Nasal irrigation (like saline rinses) to keep the sinuses clear
• Managing allergies to reduce future flare-ups

In some cases, Dr. Ho may recommend treatment with medications from a newer drug class targeting specific inflammation pathways.

So, what’s the bottom line?

Removing nasal polyps can significantly relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis and improve your quality of life. Most people report better nasal airflow, reduced congestion, an improved sense of smell, and fewer sinus infections after surgery.

However, it is not usually a permanent fix, especially if the issues driving sinusitis and polyp development aren’t addressed.

That’s not saying surgery isn’t a valuable treatment option. Sometimes, depending on polyp size and number, it’s necessary to clear the nasal passages. Once that’s done, ongoing care helps manage the underlying condition and prevent recurrence.

Call or message us to schedule a visit with Dr. Ho at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center today for comprehensive care that offers a long-term solution for ENT concerns such as nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis. Call the office or request an appointment online.