🌬️ Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)
Also known as Samter’s Triad, AERD is a chronic medical condition characterized by the combination of:
- Asthma
- Chronic nasal polyps
- Sensitivity to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
🧬 Causes:
- The exact cause isn’t fully understood but involves abnormal reactions in the body’s inflammatory pathways
- Sensitivity to aspirin/NSAIDs leads to increased production of leukotrienes, causing airway inflammation
- Usually develops in adults, often after nasal polyps and asthma have already started
🩺 Symptoms:
- Asthma symptoms: wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness
- Chronic nasal congestion and sinus infections
- Nasal polyps causing blockage and loss of smell
- Respiratory reactions (cough, wheezing, nasal congestion) after taking aspirin or NSAIDs
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Clinical history of asthma, nasal polyps, and reactions to aspirin or NSAIDs
- Aspirin challenge test under medical supervision (to confirm sensitivity)
- Imaging (CT scan) to assess sinus disease
💊 Treatment:
- Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs
- Asthma management (inhalers, steroids)
- Nasal corticosteroids and surgery for polyps
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (like montelukast) to reduce inflammation
- Aspirin desensitization therapy (in specialized centers) may improve symptoms and tolerance
⚠️ Complications:
- Severe asthma attacks triggered by aspirin/NSAIDs
- Recurrent nasal polyps despite treatment
- Impact on quality of life due to chronic symptoms