Update on aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease with chronic rhinosinusitis

This review provides the current understanding on the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Updates focus on the current understanding of type 2 inflammation as a disease driver, alterations in gene expression in nasal polyps, and use of biologics in treating aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease. Recent findings include altered expression of GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-17 in nasal polyps supports the current understanding that type 2 inflammation predominantly drives the pathophysiology of AERD with CRS. From a clinical standpoint, biologics offer an effective treatment option to address type 2 inflammation. Biologics should not be favored over endoscopic sinus surgery and aspirin desensitization with daily aspirin therapy (unless contraindication are present) due to high associated cost and failure to achieve remission.

This review outlines the current approach for diagnosis and treatment of aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease with a focus on desensitization protocols, the importance of endoscopic sinus surgery, the role of biologics, and the use of leukotriene modulators.