What is aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD)?

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Content What happens when people with AERD take aspirin or NSAIDs? What causes AERD? How is AERD diagnosed? How is AERD treated? Is there a cure?

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

Asthma, though only a small percentage of people with asthma will develop AERD.
Nasal polyps that recur, even after removal by surgery.
Sensitivity to aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen. Keep in mind that aspirin or NSAIDs may be ingredients in cold medicines and other medicines.

Typically, signs and symptoms of AERD don't show up until people have reached their 30s or 40s, but AERD can occasionally occur in children.