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Respiratory Nasal Polyps What causes CRSwNP?
What causes CRSwNP?
About Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)

What causes CRSwNP?

It’s not fully understood what causes CRSwNP, but it is linked to long-term inflammation in your nasal passages and sinuses.

It is thought that your genetics (i.e. in your DNA), other associated health conditions (known as “co-morbidities”) and things you are exposed to in the environment may play a role in your chances of developing it.1

Several factors that increase your risk of getting nasal polyps are2,3

Graphic showing 5 boxes with risk factors and icons representing them. First is “Asthma” with an inhaler icon. Second is “Intolerance or sensitivity to some medicines” with a pill icon. Third is “Allergic rhinitis” with an icon of someone blowing their nose. Fourth is “Immunosuppression” with a medical mask icon. Fifth is “Chronic dental infection” with a tooth icon.

References

  1. Stevens WW, Schleimer RP and Kern RC. Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. 2016 Jul-Aug;4(4):565-72.
  2. NHS. Nasal polyps. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nasal-polyps/. Last accessed April 2025.
  3. Min JY, Tan BK. Risk Factors For Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology. 2015 Feb 1;15(1):1–13.