The CRSwNP Team

Patients with CRSwNP may be treated by multiple medical team members, including a primary care physician (PCP), an allergist, and an otolaryngologist (commonly known as an ear, nose, and throat doctor or ENT).¹

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are general medical doctors trained to treat common health conditions and make referrals to specialists when needed.² Most patients with CRSwNP first discuss their symptoms with their PCP.³ The PCP may recommend treatment or consult with a specialist.¹ If the PCP thinks you might have CRSwNP, they will likely refer you to a specialist—an ENT or allergist—for additional testing and treatment.¹

Otolaryngologists (ENTs) are medical doctors specializing in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat⁴. Some ENTs are also surgeons who operate on the head and neck.⁴ ENTs commonly perform nasal endoscopies, a procedure that can confirm the diagnosis of CRSwNP.¹ ENTs can discuss CRSwNP treatment options with their patients, including biologics.¹ If you need surgery for CRSwNP, ENTs are the specialists who can operate on you.⁵
Allergists are medical doctors specializing in asthma and other allergic diseases.⁶ Patients with CRSwNP may see an allergist to rule out allergies that might trigger symptoms or if they have other allergic conditions commonly associated with CRSwNP, such as asthma.^1,7 Allergists can discuss CRSwNP treatment options with their patients, including biologics⁸.

References

Buccheit K, Holbrook E. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: management and prognosis. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-rhinosinusitis-with-nasal-polyposis-management-and-prognosis
Choosing a primary care provider. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001939.htm
Peters AT, Spector S, Hsu J, et al. Diagnosis and management of rhinosinusitis: a practice parameter update. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2014;113:347-385.
Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24635-otolaryngologist
Homsi MT, Gaffey MM. Sinus Endoscopic Surgery. Updated 2022 Sep 12. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563202/
When to see an allergist. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. https://acaai.org/do-you-need-an-allergist/when-to-see-an-allergist/
What is Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)? Allergy and Asthma Network. https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/chronic-rhinosinusitis-with-nasal-polyps-crswnp/
Wu AC, Busse WW. Biologic Therapy in Allergy Practice: A New Era in Treatment Has Begun. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9:1118-1120.
Young Asian Allergist is Conducting a Prick Scratch Test to Diagnose Any Allergic Reaction on a Young Male’s Forearm During a Health Check Visit to a Medical Clinic. iStock by Getty Images. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/young-asian-allergist-is-conducting-a-prick-scratch-test-to-diagnose-any-allergic-gm1490901140-515367176