Ep. 137: Diagnosing Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)

Doctor InterviewFood AllergiesAllergiesAsthmaEczemaImmunologyPatient InterviewEOEAAII PodcastMast Cell DiseaseCSUUrticariaBiologicsHealth InsuranceType 2 InflammationCRSwNP

Nov 20

Written By Kortney Kwong Hing

Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast

This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.

We thank Sanofi 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.

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Persistent congestion, pressure, or a reduced sense of smell often gets mistaken for allergies or a stubborn cold when it may be something more, like chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward real relief.

Dr. Tonya Farmer, a board-certified ENT, joins Kortney and Dr. G to explain how chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is diagnosed. She walks us through the full evaluation: what symptoms matter, what a nasal endoscopy actually shows, when a CT scan is needed, and how type 2 inflammation fits into the picture.

What we cover in our episode about diagnosing CRSwNP:

Key symptoms: Persistent congestion, drainage, facial pressure, and especially loss of smell are major red flags for CRSwNP.
Why duration matters: Chronic means 12 weeks or longer. If symptoms keep coming back or never truly improve, it’s time to look deeper.
The physical exam: ENTs use nasal endoscopy to see swelling, mucus, or polyps that aren’t visible from the outside.
When CT scans are needed: Imaging helps confirm sinus inflammation and shows the extent of polyp growth.
Additional testing: Allergy testing, IgE levels, eosinophils, and other immune markers help identify type 2 inflammation and guide next steps.
When to see a specialist: If antibiotics, steroids, or over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping, ask for a referral to an allergist or ENT. Early diagnosis can prevent worsening symptoms and reduce the need for surgery.

About our nasal polyps expert:

Dr. Tonya Farmer, MD is a board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT) in Warren, Ohio, with more than 20 years of experience treating conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. Her practice focuses on sinus disease, allergy-related nasal conditions, and head and neck disorders. She is also the creator of Dr. Nose Best, an education-focused Instagram platform where she breaks down ENT health in a simple, engaging way.

Find Dr. Famer on Instagram @drnosebest

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