Ep. 133: What is Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)?
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank AstraZeneca for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 133:
Living with constant congestion, facial pressure, or a loss of smell can make daily life exhausting. For many people, these symptoms are more than just allergies or a lingering cold. They may be signs of a condition called chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, also known as CRSwNP.
Dr. Rohit Katial joins Kortney and Dr. G to unpack what CRSwNP really is, how it develops, and why type 2 inflammation plays such a key role. Together, they explain what’s happening inside the sinuses, what symptoms to look for, and when it’s time to see a specialist.
What we cover in our episode about CRSwNP:
What CRSwNP means: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is long-term inflammation of the nose and sinuses that lasts 12 weeks or more.
What nasal polyps are: Soft, fluid-filled sacs (often “grape” or “pea” sized) that block airflow and lead to congestion and smell loss.
Why it happens: Type 2 inflammation drives CRSwNP. Immune messengers like IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 cause swelling and fluid buildup in the nasal lining.
Who it affects: CRSwNP often overlaps with asthma, allergies, or aspirin sensitivity (AERD or Samter’s Triad), making symptoms worse.
When to seek help: If congestion, pressure, or loss of smell lasts more than 12 weeks, see an allergist or an ENT specialist. Early care can prevent sinus damage and improve breathing and quality of life.
About our nose expert:
Dr. Rohit K. Katial, MD, is an allergist-immunologist and researcher at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, specializing in diseases of the nose, sinuses, and lungs. He has led numerous clinical studies on airway inflammation, asthma, and chronic sinus disease. Dr. Katial is also an investigator with the American Lung Association Airways Clinical Research Centers Network, advancing research in chronic respiratory conditions.
More resources about food allergies
What is Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)?
What are nasal polyps?
What is AERD - Sampter’s Triad?
More episodes about CRSwNP and type 2 inflammation
Timestamps
Our episode asks what is Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (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’s like to live with CRSwNP
19:58 How to know if you might have CRSwNP
