#149 - What is Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyps

Chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps is the most common form of chronic sinusitis. Even so, most patients spend years without a clear explanation, cycling through antibiotics that do not address what is actually going on.

In this episode, Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta are joined by Dr. Michael Blaiss and Dr. Anju Peters, an allergist and immunologist at Northwestern University who co-authored the 2025 Adult Sinusitis Clinical Practice Guideline. Together, they break down what chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) actually is, what the real quality-of-life impact looks like, and how a proper diagnosis is confirmed.

What we cover in this episode about chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps

• Not an infection. Chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps is driven by inflammation lasting 12 weeks or more, not by bacteria or a virus, which is why antibiotics often do not help.
• The hidden quality of life burden. Beyond congestion and sinus pressure, patients commonly experience fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
• Why so many patients go years without a correct diagnosis. Symptoms overlap significantly with conditions like allergic rhinitis or migraines. Many patients adapt to feeling unwell rather than seeking answers.
• How doctors confirm the diagnosis. A diagnosis requires objective evidence of inflammation, as seen on nasal endoscopy or a CT scan of the sinuses, not symptoms alone.
• The connection between sinusitis and asthma. The nose, sinuses, and lungs share one connected airway, and about 60% of people with this condition also have asthma, with each capable of making the other worse.

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Insmed 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.