What is ASA-induced asthma?

➢ Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) is a respiratory condition consisting of three factors – asthma, recurring nasal polyps, and a sensitivity to aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac ➢ AERD often associated with rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps is due to cyclooxygenase inhibition and leukotriene production. ➢ The disease is not caused by taking Aspirin or NSAIDs, but sinus or asthma symptoms get worse when taking these medications ➢ It is well-established that following ingestion of aspirin or any other inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-1, patients with Samter’s disease or AERD develop the sudden onset of worsening respiratory clinical symptoms, which usually involves nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, wheezing and bronchospasm. ➢ Gastrointestinal distress, nausea, a pruritic rash and angioedema can also occasionally develop.