Management of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP): Results from a survey among allergists and clinical immunologists of the North-west and Center Italy Inter-Regional Sections of SIAAIC and otorhinolaryngologists of National IAR

Abstract

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a common disease with chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. In Italy, CRSwNP is managed by allergists/immunologists (AIs) and otorhinolaryngologists (ENTs). Two inter-Regional Sections of SIAAIC (Società Italiana di Allergologia, Asma ed Immunologia Clinica) and the National IAR (Italian Academy of Rhinology), interviewed their respective specialists involved in the management of CRSwNP about screening protocols, comorbidity evaluation, therapeutic management, and outcomes to assess possible differences between these two groups of specialists.The survey “CRSwNP Management: the point of view of the Otorhinolaryngologist and the Allergist-Immunologist” composed of 23 questions, was conducted in 2022 through two inter-regional SIAAIC (North-west and Center Italy) sections and National IAR newsletters.111 AIs and 83 ENTs participated. Both specialists agree on some points, such as the need to ascertain nasal comorbidity in asthmatic subjects, usefulness of combining more than a single parameter to assess disease severity in affected patients, need for a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration with general practitioners. The two groups of specialists give different opinions on a few points, such as the use of oral corticosteroids and investigation for their possible side effects, timing of use of biological therapy, and the goals after its introduction.