An update on the epidemiology of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a disorder of nasal polyposis, asthma, and hypersensitivity respiratory reactions when on systemic cyclooxygenase 1 blockade.

METHODS: AERD warrants specific evaluation as an endotype of asthma and chronic sinus disease due to unique therapeutic opportunities. Currently, aspirin therapy is uniquely beneficial as an anti-inflammatory therapy in AERD, with multiple additional therapies currently in early to late clinical studies, which might also show exceptional benefit in AERD.

RESULTS: Yet, given the lack of a simple diagnostic test, opportunities to identify patients with AERD are still frequently neglected.

CONCLUSION: Identifying the prevalence and population characteristics necessary to determine appropriate candidates in whom to perform diagnostic aspirin challenge remains critically important and was the purpose of this article.