Q I was advised to have surgery. Can Korean medicine treatment be an alternative?
A If nasal polyps are not large and there are no structural abnormalities, Korean medicine treatment may help you avoid or postpone surgery. However, if there are orbital or intracranial complications or large polyps, surgery takes priority.
Detailed Answer
Possibility as a Surgical Alternative
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has a recurrence rate of about 20 percent, and there are reports of Korean medicine treatment achieving comparable results without surgery in chronic sinusitis that has no structural problems. In particular, small polyps, mucosal thickening, and allergic causes respond well to phlegm-resolving and lung-tonifying treatment.
When Surgery Is Necessary
- Nasal polyps are large and significantly block the airway
- There are orbital or intracranial complications
- Fungal sinusitis requires surgical removal
- An anatomical abnormality (a severely deviated septum) is the main cause
At Dongjedang, we review CT and endoscopy results together before realistically advising on the possibility of Korean medicine treatment. We can also provide care to prevent recurrence after surgery.
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