Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Treat your chronic sinus inflammation with UT Physicians

Treat your chronic sinus inflammation with UT Physicians

Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a chronic condition affecting the nose and lungs defined by the presence of asthma, recurrent nasal polyps, and inflammation of these sites triggered by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. UT Physicians is a leader in treating AERD, offering the latest treatment options, including clinical trials.

Take Our AERD Assessment

You may be a strong candidate for AERD treatment.

You may not qualify for AERD treatment. Contact us if you have any questions.

Patients with this condition have a baseline level of inflammation giving rise to sinus and nasal symptoms as well as asthma. Some may have asthma attacks or a rash when they take aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen), or even acetaminophen at high doses.

  • Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory steroids — Personalized topical therapy
  • Biologics — Targeted injection therapy
  • Sinus surgery — Removal of nasal polyps and widening of blocked sinus cavities.
  • Aspirin desensitization

Patient’s Perspective

Treating Nasal Polyps due to AERD with Revision Sinus Surgery and Aspirin Desensitization

For two decades, Jeff Cobb saw various ENTs and tried a variety of oral and nasal medications for chronic rhinosinusitis, without sustained relief. In the process, he was diagnosed with Samter’s Triad, a chronic condition defined by asthma, sinus inflammation with difficult-to-treat nasal and sinus polyps, and aspirin sensitivity. The condition is also known as aspirin triad or aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). When Cobb took aspirin, his sinus inflammation worsened. Cobb discovered Martin J. Citardi, MD, while reading an article in another physician’s office in the Texas Medical Center.

“I walked Dr. Citardi through my history of sinus problems and at the end of our conversation, he recommended a two-part approach – undergo full sinus surgery to get everything cleaned up, then see an allergist for aspirin desensitization,” Cobb says. “The surgery went well, and my recovery was fast.”

Read more about Jeff’s story: see the ORL Notes post.

Unified Airway

You will have immediate access to multidisciplinary management expertise, innovative therapies, and technology. Our team of experts, including pulmonologists, immunologists, and rhinologists, will ensure you are provided the best care and treatments for your unique situation.

UTHealth Houston physician, Amber Luong, MD, PhD, contributed to a peer-reviewed article on AERD. This article, which was published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, highlighted how biologics help manage both upper and lower AERD diseases.

For more info, please see the publication abstract.

Actively recruiting clinical trials for AERD

Clinical trials are actively available for those experiencing chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. This trial will study the mechanisms by which the biologic medication improves nasal polyp growth and AERD. Learn more about AERD clinical trials.

Have questions? Please contact our office.