What is Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)?

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The latest episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast covers chronic sinus conditions. It is the first of a multi-part series. For this podcast, we start with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, commonly shortened to CRSwNP. This condition causes long-term swelling and blockage in the nose and sinuses. CRSwNP makes it hard to breathe and it impacts your ability to smell.

Co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney, are joined by board-certified allergist Rohit Katial, MD, to have a conversation about CRSwNP. They discuss what nasal polyps are, what causes CRSwNP, and who is most likely to get nasal polyps.

You can listen to the podcast on ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere, at:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Thank you to AstraZeneca and Amgen for sponsoring this podcast episode.

Key takeaways about CRSwNP

CRSwNP is a chronic condition that affects the nose and sinuses. It causes swelling, fluid buildup, and small growths called nasal polyps. Living with CRSwNP can make it hard to breathe, smell, or sleep well. Here is more on what we talk about in this podcast episode:

  • CRSwNP is long-term sinus inflammation. It lasts 12 weeks or more and causes swelling inside the nose and sinuses.
  • Nasal polyps block airflow. These soft, fluid-filled sacs can make it hard to breathe and make it so you can’t smell or taste things well.
  • What causes CRSwNP? Type 2 inflammation. The immune system becomes overactive, sending signals (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) that keep the nose swollen.
  • CRSwNP often happens with other conditions. People with asthma, allergies, or aspirin sensitivity (AERD) are more likely to have it.
  • How can you tell if the congestion you have is CRSwNP? If your symptoms last more than 12 weeks, or you notice a loss of smell that doesn’t get better, see an allergist or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for testing.

Timestamps for our podcast about CRSwNP 

01:19 – What is CRSwNP

04:22 – What are the nose and sinuses

05:54 – Why nasal polyps develop

08:21 – Why some people develop nasal polyps

12:25 – What is AERD (Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease)

13:14 – Summary of CRSwNP

15:39 – The role of type 2 inflammation in CRSwNP

16:48 – What it is like to live with CRSwNP

19:58 – How to know if you might have CRSwNP

More resources about CRSwNP

Podcasts that address CRSwNP