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Respiratory Nasal Polyps Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosing CRSwNP

Diagnosis

A diagnosis typically starts with symptoms, a medical history and a physical exam.

A diagnosis can be made by the presence of two or more persistent symptoms for at least 12 weeks, one of which should be nasal obstruction and/or nasal discharge, and/or facial pain/pressure or loss of taste/smell (hyposmia).1

Tests to diagnose nasal polyps might include:2

Three boxes detailing diagnostic tests. The first box is “Nasal endoscopy” with an icon of an endoscope. Nasal endoscopy “involves using a narrow tube with a lighted lens or tiny camera to look at the inside of the nose.” The second box is “Imaging studies” with icon of a CT machine. “CT scans can show the size of the polyps deep in the sinuses and their location. These studies can also help rule out other reasons the nose is blocked.” The third box is “Allergy tests” with an icon of a hand and syringe. “A skin prick test (often performed on the forearm) or blood tests can help show if allergies are the cause of the inflammation.”

In some cases, additional tests like smell tests or sinus cultures may be used to evaluate the condition and tailor treatment further.3

CRSwNP is very rare in children, so in this case, doctors might suggest a sweat test to rule out cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that make mucus, sweat and the juices that help digest food.2

Diagnosis can take time. Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between CRSwNP and bad allergies or asthma. Where possible, keep a record of your symptoms and when they started to share with your doctor.

References

  1. Stevens WW, Schleimer RP, Kern RC. Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice. 2016;4(4):565–72.
  2. Mayo Clinic. Nasal polyps: diagnosis and treatment. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nasal-polyps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351894. Last accessed April 2025.
  3. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Life with Nasal Polyps. Available at: https://aafa.org/asthma-allergy-research/our-research/life-with-nasal-polyps-crswnp/. Last accessed April 2025.