About Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)

What Is Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)?

Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the sinuses and lungs. People with AERD have an allergic-like reaction to aspirin and other Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

Reaction symptoms include:

Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Flushing of the head and neck
Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness

Less commonly, there can also be an accompanying itchy skin rash (hives) present or even stomach pain or nausea

Diagnosis of Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)

Who Has AERD?

Approximately 40% of patients with asthma, nasal polyps, or chronic sinusitis will have AERD. In the past, this disorder was referred to as Samter’s Triad. Patients with this condition develop nasal polyps and in most cases have persistent asthma. It is traditionally difficult to treat and often requires oral corticosteroids and sinus surgery to manage the symptoms. Multiple asthma medications may also be required to gain control.

More on Asthma and Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 12 people (about 25 million) have asthma, and the numbers are increasing every year. Studies show that approximately 5-10% of asthmatics (1.25-2.5 million people) have AERD. AERD is a chronic respiratory condition which includes asthma, chronic inflammatory sinus disease, nasal polyps, and an adverse reaction to aspirin and NSAIDs.

Aspirin desensitization is an effective therapy that treats the underlying cause of AERD, compared to medications and repeated surgical sinus procedures that only suppress symptoms.