What does it mean if there is a small ball of tissue inside the nose?

A meat-like ball inside the nose may be caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy, deviated nasal septum, chronic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or adenoid hypertrophy. Improvement can be made according to different situations. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and receive treatment under a doctor's guidance.

1. Inferior Turbinate: Repeated inhalation of cold air or irritant gases can cause irritation, leading to mucosal tissue proliferation and hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate, which may appear like a meat ball. This is generally a normal phenomenon. Maintaining nasal hygiene and using saline nasal irrigation to reduce residual irritants is recommended.

2. Deviated Nasal Septum: Often caused by congenital developmental abnormalities or nasal trauma, the nasal septum curves to one or both sides, and the protruding part may resemble a meat ball, potentially causing nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and headaches. If symptoms are mild, nasal decongestants such as ephedrine nasal drops can be applied locally to relieve nasal mucosal congestion and swelling, improving airflow.

3. Chronic Rhinitis: Long-term inflammatory stimulation may lead to repeated congestion and edema of the nasal mucosa, with submucosal tissue proliferation forming a structure resembling a meat ball, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and nasal itching. It is recommended to use medications like mometasone furoate nasal spray, Biyan Kang tablets, or Biyan tablets under a doctor's guidance to alleviate discomfort.

4. Nasal Polyps: Chronic inflammatory stimulation of the nasal mucosa may cause tissue proliferation, presenting as a new growth resembling lychee flesh inside the nasal cavity, leading to persistent nasal congestion and reduced sense of smell. Patients may use medications such as budesonide nasal spray, prednisone tablets, or eucalyptus oil soft capsules under a doctor's guidance to relieve symptoms.

5. Adenoid Hypertrophy: Repeated upper respiratory tract infections may lead to pathological proliferation and enlargement of the adenoids, blocking the postnasal孔. Viewed from the back of the nasal cavity, it may appear like a meat ball, causing nasal obstruction, snoring during sleep, and mouth breathing. If hypertrophy severely affects breathing and sleep, it is recommended to undergo surgical removal or ablation of the adenoid tissue via procedures like adenoidectomy or low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation under a doctor's guidance to improve airflow.

In daily life, try to avoid allergens and irritants, keep warm, and prevent colds; symptoms can generally be relieved in most cases.

References:

[1] Shi Lin, Yang Linhong. Effects of Two Different Local Administration Methods of Budesonide on Symptom Improvement and Disease Control in Children with Adenoid Hypertrophy Combined with Chronic Sinusitis[J]. Journal of Rare and Uncommon Diseases, 2025, 32(02): 38-40.

[2] Liu Fuxiang. Analysis of Success Rate and Influencing Factors of Endoscopic Surgery in Patients with Nasal Polyps and Sinusitis[J]. Chinese Community Physicians, 2024, 40(27): 67-69.