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PubMed This is a summary of 66 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Allergy and Immunology · Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) / Samter's Triad Resource Guide

At a Glance

Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), or Samter's Triad, is a chronic condition involving asthma, recurring nasal polyps, and severe respiratory reactions to NSAIDs. Though complex, it can be successfully managed with specialized treatment and a coordinated allergy and ENT care team.

Welcome to the resource guide for Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), which is also commonly referred to as Samter’s Triad.

Receiving an AERD diagnosis can initially feel overwhelming. For many patients, it represents the end of a long, confusing medical journey marked by stubbornly recurring nasal polyps, worsening asthma, and severe, frightening reactions to common pain medications.

AERD is a unique condition. It is not a standard allergy to pollen or dust, but rather a profound metabolic imbalance in how your body handles inflammation. The good news is that with the right combination of specialized treatments and a coordinated care team, patients can achieve significant relief, prevent polyps from returning, and often regain lost senses like taste and smell.

This guide is designed to empower you with evidence-based knowledge about the disease, how it behaves, and what treatments are available, so you can actively participate in building the best care plan with your medical team.

Navigating the Guide

Please use the following links to explore the detailed pages of this resource:

01

Understanding Samter's Triad (AERD)

Learn about Samter's Triad (AERD), a condition causing severe asthma, recurring nasal polyps, and aspirin sensitivity. Discover symptoms and treatment options.

02

Symptoms and Warning Signs of AERD

Learn the warning signs of AERD (Samter's Triad). Understand how late-onset asthma, nasal polyps, aspirin sensitivity, and alcohol intolerance are connected.

03

The Science of the Shutdown: Biology and Diagnosis

Learn how Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) affects your body and how doctors use the aspirin challenge to diagnose this complex condition.

04

Managing the Cycle: Treatment Options for AERD

Explore AERD and Samter's Triad treatment options. Learn about endoscopic sinus surgery, aspirin desensitization, and biologics like dupilumab for management.

05

Building Your Care Team for AERD

Learn how to build a multidisciplinary care team for AERD (Samter's Triad). Understand why you need an expert rhinologist and allergist to manage symptoms.

Common questions in this guide

What is Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)?
AERD, also known as Samter's Triad, is a complex inflammatory condition involving asthma, recurring nasal polyps, and severe reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs. It is a metabolic imbalance in how your body handles inflammation, rather than a traditional allergy.
Can AERD be treated successfully?
Yes. With a coordinated care team and specialized treatments, patients can achieve significant relief, prevent the return of nasal polyps, and often regain lost senses like taste and smell.
Which doctors should be on my AERD care team?
Care for AERD is most effective when coordinated between an allergist or immunologist and a rhinologist (ENT specialist). Because the condition affects both the sinuses and the lungs, having specialists who communicate closely is essential for managing surgeries and follow-up treatments.
What should I do if I accidentally take an NSAID with AERD?
Patients with AERD can have severe, frightening respiratory reactions to common pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. You should work closely with your medical team to establish a clear, safe action plan in case you accidentally ingest an NSAID.

Get notified when new evidence is published on asthma, nasal polyps, and aspirin intolerance.

We monitor PubMed for new peer-reviewed studies on this topic and email a short summary when something meaningful changes.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your allergist or ENT specialist for diagnosis, treatment, and emergency action plans regarding AERD.