Objectives: Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by a triad of symptoms: asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and a respiratory reaction to aspirin and other cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The objective of this review is to provide otolaryngologists with an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this under-recognized condition.
Data sources and methods: Foundational papers on AERD were reviewed, focusing on the clinical otolaryngology and allergy/immunology literature and other high impact journals or trials.
Results: AERD results from increased production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and a decrease in production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins associated with the dysregulation of multiple enzymes influencing eicosanoid metabolism. Diagnosis hinges on a high index of suspicion, careful history, and confirmatory testing for all three elements. Treatments include endoscopic sinus surgery; topical, inhaled, or oral corticosteroids; aspirin desensitization; leukotriene modifying drugs; and the new class of biologics such as dupilumab.
Conclusion: AERD is an under-recognized disease associated with substantial patient-reported morbidity. We expect rapid progress in the pathophysiological understanding of this disease and available treatments in the coming decades.
Level of evidence: 5.
© 2020 The Authors. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Triological Society.