Patient Introduction

Hello, my name is Mark. I’m 57 years old. I was diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps about a year ago. I was on a nasal spray for about 3 months but it gave me nosebleeds and a sore throat; I also didn’t like having to use the spray every day. I underwent surgery to have the polyps removed about 3 months ago, but they came back. Now, I’m having trouble breathing and sleeping; I am here to talk to my otolaryngologist about treatment options.

Question #1

Do you have any new symptoms, Mark? For example, reduced smell, congestion, pain, or facial pressure?

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Question #2

Since the surgery, how have your symptoms affected your daily life?

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Question #3

I’m sorry to hear how much of an impact this has had. Have you been diagnosed with any other health conditions, like asthma or eczema?

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Question #4

Your SNOT-22 symptom score is 52 which means you are experiencing pretty severe symptoms. We need to discuss how to get your symptoms under control. What are your thoughts on trying topical or intranasal corticosteroid again?

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Question #5

One option is to switch to a device that uses your breath to deliver the corticosteroid medication instead of sniffing it, which can help reduce medication dripping down your throat. What do you think of that?

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Question #6

There are other potential treatment options called biologics. Have you heard of them before?

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Question #7

Well, these agents target the underlying causes of polyp development and have been shown to reduce SNOT-22 scores as well as improve daily quality of life. Treatment may help your asthma symptoms too.

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Question #8

Certain conditions – asthma, eczema, nasal polyps, COPD – are linked by type 2 inflammation. In other words they share a common pathway. It’s not as simple as I’m making it sound, but a lot of these conditions have overlapping causes.

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Question #9

Some of the most common side effects associated with biologics include headache, the common cold, and injection-site reactions; How do you feel about that?

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Question #10

Well, some biologics are approved for both asthma and nasal polyps, but since your asthma treatment also requires steroids, there may be one in particular that would be best for you and may even help you reduce or stop them.

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This activity is provided by Med Learning Group.
This program is supported by an independent educational grant from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Sanofi.