Does nasal polyp surgery work at 36, or do they recur?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 36-year-old woman, and I have been dealing with constant nasal blockage and loss of smell for several months. My ENT diagnosed me with nasal polyps. I am worried because nasal sprays and medicines have not helped much. I am interested in knowing the following:

Do I need surgery for this, and how successful is it usually?
Can the polyps grow back after surgery?
Could they be related to allergies or asthma?
Also, are there things I can do at home, like diet changes or nasal rinses, to keep my symptoms from getting worse? Please help.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Living with constant nasal blockage and losing your sense of smell for months can be very frustrating. Nasal polyps, which are soft, noncancerous growths inside the nose and sinuses, are a common reason for these symptoms. They form when there is ongoing swelling or irritation in the nasal passages.

You mentioned that sprays and medicines have not helped much. When this happens, doctors often consider endoscopic sinus surgery. This is a gentle, minimally invasive procedure where a thin camera is used to carefully remove the polyps and improve sinus drainage. Many people feel a big improvement in breathing and even regain their sense of smell after surgery.

That said, polyps can sometimes come back, especially if you also have allergies, asthma, or Aspirin sensitivity, since all of these can trigger long-term inflammation. To reduce the chances of recurrence, you may need to continue nasal steroid sprays after surgery. In some cases, newer biologic treatments (special medicines that target the immune system) are used if polyps keep coming back.

At home, you can also take steps to feel better:

Use saline nasal rinses (salt-water washes) regularly to keep your nose clear and reduce irritation.
Try to avoid your known allergy triggers like dust, smoke, or strong perfumes.
Eating a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts) may support overall health, though diet alone would not shrink the polyps.

The encouraging part is that you do have options, both medical and surgical. With the right treatment plan and ongoing care, most people experience lasting relief and an improved quality of life.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.