Clinical evaluation and diagnosis of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a condition composed of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and asthma that is defined by respiratory hypersensitivity reactions to the cyclooxygenase 1-inhibitory effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is diagnosed in 5% to 15% of patients with asthma and is even more common in those with comorbid nasal polyposis. Diagnosis is confirmed after an aspirin challenge procedure, yet many patients present with all components and can reliably be diagnosed by history. Patients with AERD commonly experience severe uncontrolled nasal polyposis and require multispecialty evaluation to properly stage and treat this condition. The presence of nasal polyposis plays a large component in the diminished quality of life in patients with AERD. In the last decade, multiple new therapeutic areas have been approved for type 2 airway diseases, offering patients with AERD many more options for control. This makes an early and accurate diagnosis of AERD important in the care of the larger population of type 2 airway diseases.