AERD Diagnosis: What It Is, How It’s Confirmed, and What You Need to Know

When you have AERD, a condition where asthma, nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs occur together. Also known as Samter's Triad, it’s not just bad allergies—it’s a distinct medical pattern that affects how your airways react to common painkillers. If you’ve been told you have chronic sinusitis, keep getting nasal polyps back after surgery, or get wheezing or congestion after taking ibuprofen or aspirin, you might have AERD. It’s not rare—it hits about 1 in 10 adults with asthma and nasal polyps—but it’s often missed because doctors focus on treating symptoms, not the root cause.

AERD diagnosis starts with your history. No single blood test or scan can confirm it. Doctors look for the full triad: persistent asthma, recurring nasal polyps, and respiratory reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. Some patients get sneezing, runny nose, or even trouble breathing within minutes. Others notice it hours later with worsening congestion. If you’ve had a bad reaction to pain meds and you’re struggling with sinus issues, that’s a red flag. A formal aspirin challenge test in a controlled clinic setting is the gold standard for confirmation—but it’s only done if your symptoms strongly suggest AERD and you’re a good candidate. You don’t need this test if your history is clear, but skipping it when symptoms point to AERD means you might miss out on targeted treatments like aspirin desensitization, which can reduce polyps and improve breathing long-term.

What makes AERD tricky is how it overlaps with other conditions. It’s not just asthma. It’s not just sinus infections. It’s the combination—and the way your body overproduces inflammatory chemicals called leukotrienes when exposed to NSAIDs. That’s why treatments like montelukast or biologics targeting leukotrienes (like omalizumab or mepolizumab) often help more than standard asthma inhalers alone. And if you’ve had multiple sinus surgeries only to have polyps come back, AERD might be why. The condition doesn’t go away on its own. Left untreated, it can lead to worse lung function, more frequent hospital visits, and a lower quality of life.

People with AERD also need to be careful with other medications. Some heartburn drugs, supplements, or even certain foods can interact with your inflammation pathways. And if you’re on blood thinners or have other chronic conditions, your treatment plan needs to account for AERD’s unique risks. This isn’t about avoiding all painkillers forever—it’s about knowing which ones to avoid and what safer alternatives exist. Many patients do better with acetaminophen, but even that isn’t always safe if you’re sensitive to other triggers.

Below, you’ll find real-world guidance on how AERD connects to other health issues—like how dental anesthesia can be risky if you’re on blood thinners, or how steroid inhalers for asthma can cause side effects that mimic or worsen AERD symptoms. You’ll also see how medication changes, drug interactions, and even pharmacy labeling can affect your daily management. These aren’t random posts. They’re the pieces that fit together when you’re living with a complex condition like AERD.