The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) announced on April 23 a set of new educational resources to help people living with nasal polyps, coinciding with Global CRSwNP Awareness Day. The materials were developed in collaboration with leading allergy and sinus specialists to assist patients in understanding their condition and improving communication with healthcare providers.
Global CRSwNP Awareness Day is an annual event organized by the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases. This year’s theme, “Redefining the Patient Journey,” aligns with AAFA’s goal to provide knowledge, tools, and support so individuals can advocate for their own health.
Nasal polyps, clinically known as chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), are noncancerous growths inside the nose or sinuses that affect about two to three percent of adults in the United States. Those who have respiratory conditions such as asthma or aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease are at greater risk. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing through the nose, sleep disruption, and reduced sense of smell or taste. According to AAFA’s Life with Nasal Polyps study, diagnosis is often delayed and treatment options remain limited for many patients.
To address these challenges, AAFA launched the Patient-Centered Education and Care for Nasal Polyps (PEACE-NP) program. This initiative includes a video series featuring allergists and ear, nose, and throat doctors explaining nasal polyps in clear language as well as a printable Sinus Visit Checklist designed to help patients organize information before medical appointments.
“When we hear from people with nasal polyps, the same themes come up again and again—long waits for answers, challenges finding the right treatments, and not knowing where to turn,” said Sanaz Eftekhari, AAFA’s vice president of research. “That experience highlights the importance of redefining the patient journey. We developed PEACE-NP with that goal in mind. AAFA is proud to work alongside leading allergy and sinus specialists to give patients clear information and real tools to navigate their nasal polyps care.”
Dr. Katie Bucheit from Brigham and Women’s Hospital also commented on how preparation can improve clinic visits: “One of the biggest challenges I see in clinic is that patients often have years of symptoms, treatments, and questions stored up... The Sinus Visit Checklist changes that dynamic.”
More information about these resources is available at aafa.org/peace-np.
