The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & Immunology26 Helmi

#146 - How to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, or CRSwNP, is a condition driven by ongoing inflammation. That is why treatment is not a one-time fix and why polyps can come back even after surgery. In this episode, Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney are joined by Dr. Maeve O'Connor, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, to walk through CRSwNP treatment options.

This episode is released around World Anosmia Day because loss of smell is one of the most frustrating and most common symptoms of CRSwNP, and one that treatment can actually help with.

What we cover in this episode about nasal polyps treatment

Nasal therapies as your base management: Saline rinses and nasal steroid sprays are the foundation of CRSwNP treatment. They need to be used consistently as part of your daily routine, not just when symptoms flare.
Why nasal polyps keep coming back: CRSwNP is driven by ongoing inflammation, not just the polyps themselves, so removing them does not address the root cause.
When surgery is the right choice: Sinus surgery can open blocked passages and help nasal sprays reach deeper into the sinuses, but works best as part of a long-term plan, not a one-time fix.
What biologic medications actually do: Biologics target the underlying inflammation causing CRSwNP. Four are currently approved for CRSwNP: dupilumab, omalizumab, mepolizumab, and tezepelumab.
Why follow-up care matters even when you feel better: Inflammation can return before symptoms become noticeable, so regular check-ins with your allergist or ENT are key to catching early signs of polyp regrowth.

About our guest

Dr. Maeve O'Connor, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist and founder of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief (AAIR) of Charlotte, North Carolina. She treats patients of all ages, practices integrative medicine, and has been named a Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine since 2007.

More resources

What is Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)?
What are nasal polyps?
What is AERD?
Biologics for Allergic Disease
What to know before starting a biologic
Oral Corticosteroid Stewardship

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Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Sanofi-Regeneron for sponsoring today’s episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

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