HEALTH MATTERS
Asthma and CRSwNP require different treatments. Medications are available. Working together with your doctor to manage both conditions gives you the best chance for relief and better breathing.
For asthma, it's essential to keep symptoms under control. Most people use a daily controller inhaler with an inhaled corticosteroid. These medications can help reduce inflammation and keep the airways open. Quick-relief inhalers are also available for sudden asthma symptoms or attacks.
"For asthma, it's essential to keep symptoms under control. Most people use a daily controller inhaler with an inhaled corticosteroid. These medications
can help reduce inflammation and keep the
airways open."
inflammation can change the structure of sinus tissue, leading to the growth of nasal polyps.
People with both CRSwNP and asthma may also have high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and/or eosinophils in their body.
* IgE is a protein in your blood that helps fight germs. In some patients, it can cause allergic reactions.
* Eosinophils are white blood cells that fight infections. Too many can increase inflammation.
It's important to get an accurate diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will take a detailed history of your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Additional tests may include:
* Lung function tests. These can help diagnose or reveal the severity of asthma.
* Blood tests. These can help determine levels of IgE and eosinophils for both asthma and CRSwNP.
* Sinus CT scan. Images of your sinuses and nasal cavity can reveal the severity of CRSwNP.
* Nasal endoscopy. This involves a tiny camera inserted into your nasal passages to search for polyps.
* Allergy tests. These help identify allergies that could be triggering symptoms. (They are also used to diagnose allergic asthma.)
CRSwNP triggers often overlap with asthma triggers. They include allergens such as pollen, mold or pets. Nonallergic triggers include respiratory viruses, tobacco smoke, air pollution and cold, dry air.
How to treat asthma and CRSwNP together