More Than a Stuffy Nose: Understanding the Impact of Chronic Rhinosinusitis (Recording)

This webinar was recorded on August 13, 2026

Imagine sitting down to enjoy a nice dinner out, and before you even take your first bite, your nose starts running — badly. You’re making trip after trip to the restroom, and people at nearby tables are giving you looks like you’ve got something contagious. That’s just one slice of Amanda Flowers’ daily reality living with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, also called CRSsNP.

“People just think a runny nose is no big deal,” Amanda shared during a recent webinar hosted by the Allergy and Asthma Network. “But even though I deal with several other health conditions, I can tell you that it is a big deal.”

So, What Exactly Is CRSsNP?

Your sinuses are hollow spaces in your face that help filter, warm, and humidify the air you breathe. When they stay inflamed for 12 weeks or longer, that’s chronic rhinosinusitis. And the most common form — affecting up to 12% of people — is CRSsNP, meaning there are no polyps (benign growths) involved.

Common symptoms include:

• Constant drainage (runny nose or post-nasal drip)
• Stuffy, blocked nose
• Facial pressure or pain
• Trouble sleeping and feeling worn out

Dr. Anju Peters, an allergist at Northwestern University, explains that CRSsNP often travels with other conditions like asthma, allergies, and even migraines — making it tricky to pin down and treat.

Getting the Right Diagnosis

To officially diagnose CRSsNP, doctors need more than just your symptoms. They look for objective proof of inflammation — either through a nasal camera (endoscopy) or a sinus CT scan. Think of it like needing a receipt, not just a memory, to prove a purchase.

What Can You Actually Do About It?

Here’s where things get real. Treatment options are honestly pretty limited right now, but here’s what helps:

• Saline rinses — large-volume rinses to flush out mucus (use boiled or distilled water!)
• Nasal steroid sprays — used consistently and aimed away from the center of your nose
• Xhance (fluticasone EDS) — the only FDA-approved treatment specifically for CRSsNP
• Surgery — an option if other treatments aren’t working

Antibiotics and oral steroids? Doctors like Dr. Peters say they’re often overused and come with real side effects. They should only be used when truly needed.

Your Voice Matters

One of the biggest takeaways? Track your symptoms and speak up. Amanda keeps detailed notes on her phone — what triggered flare-ups, what helped, how long symptoms lasted. That kind of info is gold for your doctor.

“I know when I get there and they start asking me questions, I’m not going to remember,” Amanda said with a laugh.

Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or a healthcare provider, understanding CRSsNP is the first step toward better days ahead. Research is ongoing, and there is real hope on the horizon.

Our speakers:

This patient-focused webinar brings together both lived experience and medical expertise:

Dr. Anju Peters will explain CRSsNP in clear, easy-to-understand terms and offer practical management tips

Key Learning Topics

Participants can expect to gain a better understanding of:

• Real-world insights from a patient living with CRSsNP
• The signs and symptoms of CRSsNP
• How CRSsNP can affect quality of life
• Available treatment and management options
• Resources to support ongoing care and education

A certificate of attendance is available for all registered attendees. Continuing education (CE) credit is not available for this webinar.

Special thanks to Insmed for sponsoring this educational campaign!

Sponsored by the Insmed