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What is aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD)?

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), also called Samter’s triad, has three features:

Usually, warning signs of AERD don’t show up until people have reached their 30s or 40s, but AERD can sometimes happen in children.

Problems usually start suddenly and can be serious. Symptoms may include trouble breathing, which could be an asthma flare-up, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and a stuffy or runny nose. Some people with AERD also have these types of problems if they drink alcohol, such as beer or wine.

The exact cause of AERD is not known but it is not an allergic response. There is no proof to show that it’s genetic or inherited. The disease is not caused by taking aspirin or NSAIDs, but AERD sinus or asthma symptoms get worse when taking these medicines.

There is no special test to find AERD. There are lab tests that can help in finding the cause of your illness. There is a blood test to look for higher than usual levels of white blood cells called eosinophils. And there is a urine test to look for raised leukotrienes, which are chemicals that can cause tightening of the airways. AERD also may affect your sense of smell. Finding AERD is possible if you have all three of these things: asthma, nasal polyps, and respiratory problems when taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

When it’s not clear whether you have a problem taking aspirin or NSAIDs, your health care provider may do an aspirin challenge called desensitization. This is done to check if you have AERD. Your provider and medical team give you aspirin in a safe medical surrounding and follow special safety rules.

There is no cure for AERD, but several treatments can be given, depending on your illness. A blend of treatments often work best. Choices are:

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