#167 - How Is Chronic Rhinosinusitis Without Nasal Polyps Diagnosed and Treated?

Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) is the type that makes up most chronic sinusitis cases. It's often mistaken for allergies, a lingering cold, or migraines, which can delay a proper diagnosis for years.

Dr. Gupta and Kortney sit down with Dr. Anju Peters, an allergist at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, to unpack how this condition is actually diagnosed, why it can take patients years to get an answer, and which treatments have real evidence behind them.

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

Two types of chronic sinusitis. About 75% of chronic sinusitis patients do not have nasal polyps, and about 20 to 25% do, and the treatment path differs depending on which type you have.

Getting the right diagnosis. Doctors confirm chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps by combining at least 12 weeks of symptoms with objective proof of inflammation.

Ruling out look-alikes. Allergies, colds, and migraines can all cause similar congestion and pressure, so doctors pay close attention to how long symptoms last and whether inflammation is actually confirmed.

Building a treatment toolkit. Nasal steroid sprays are the backbone of treatment.

When to consider surgery. When sinus surgery becomes the next step in sinus care.

Resources:

Ep. 133 What Is Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)?

Ep. 149 What is Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyps

Allergy & Asthma Network: chronic rhinosinusitis overview