How to check for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are mainly diagnosed through anterior nasal endoscopy, nasal endoscopy, imaging examinations, and other methods. Doctors will choose appropriate examination methods based on the patient's specific symptoms and signs to determine the size, location, and range of polyps.

Front nasal examination is the most basic examination method. Doctors use a front nasal scope to open the nostrils and directly observe the condition of the front part of the nasal cavity with the help of the reflected light from the frontal mirror. This method can preliminarily determine whether there are smooth, gray white or light red, semi transparent new growths in the nasal cavity, namely nasal polyps. However, the observation range of the anterior nasal endoscope is limited, and it may not be possible to clearly see polyps that are located deeper or smaller. Nasal endoscopy is more precise, as doctors will insert a slender endoscope with a light source and camera into the nasal cavity to comprehensively and clearly observe various corners of the nasal cavity, including the middle nasal passage, olfactory cleft, and other common sites of nasal polyps. Through nasal endoscopy, doctors can accurately determine the origin, size, quantity, and blockage of the sinus opening of polyps, as well as evaluate the degree of inflammation of the nasal mucosa. For suspected cases of sinus polyps or the need to assess the extent of sinus lesions, doctors may recommend imaging examinations such as sinus CT scans. CT examination can provide sectional images of the nasal cavity and sinuses, clearly displaying soft tissue and skeletal structures, helping to determine whether polyps have invaded the sinuses, as well as whether there are other issues such as sinusitis and bone destruction. In addition, doctors may also conduct allergen testing, as allergic rhinitis is an important cause of nasal polyps, and identifying allergens can help with subsequent etiological treatment. In rare cases, if the appearance of polyps is atypical or there is suspicion of malignancy, doctors will take a small piece of tissue for pathological biopsy, which is the gold standard for diagnosis and can ultimately determine the nature of polyps. After being diagnosed with nasal polyps, it is recommended to actively cooperate with doctors for standardized treatment. Pay attention to keeping the nasal cavity clean in daily life. You can use physiological saline to flush the nasal cavity and reduce allergens and inflammatory stimuli. Try to have a light diet, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, strengthen exercise to enhance physical fitness, prevent colds, which can help control the progression of the disease and reduce the probability of recurrence.