Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) Center

AERD is a challenging, complex condition. Many people go through multiple treatments without relief. At Penn Medicine, our AERD experts deliver effective, evidence-based treatment that improves your quality of life and health.

Young man coughing, suffering from chest pain from chronic disease

Multispecialty AERD treatment from Penn Medicine

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the sinuses and lungs. People with AERD typically experience a combination of asthma, recurring nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, and a sensitivity to aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The Penn Medicine AERD Center is the only multispecialty program of its kind in the greater Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Princeton areas. Our AERD specialists work together to deliver coordinated medical and surgical treatment. We work closely with each other, you, and your referring provider to create an individualized treatment plan that brings lasting results.

We understand how much AERD interferes with your life. Our goal is to help you find long-lasting symptom relief so that you can participate in your day-to-day activities without disruptions or discomfort.

Expert ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care for AERD

AERD is challenging to diagnose and often requires complex care. We aim to provide seamless treatment, ensuring you have convenient access to all the services you need. Our approach to care includes coordinated medical and surgical interventions. You can expect:

AERD treatment for symptom relief

Our specialists follow research-backed, comprehensive AERD treatment approaches. We start with sinus surgery to remove any nasal polyps (growths). All sinus cavities must be completely clear of polyps, so it’s important for a physician with extensive AERD experience to perform the surgery.

After you’ve healed, you undergo aspirin desensitization. In this treatment, we give you gradually increased doses of NSAIDs and aspirin. You take the doses in our clinic over two consecutive days. After desensitization, you’ll take a full dose of aspirin daily to remain desensitized.

Aspirin desensitization treats the underlying causes of AERD. That’s why it’s much more effective than treatments, such as medications and inhalers, which only mask symptoms.

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