When you take aspirin or other common painkillers and suddenly can’t breathe, it’s not just an allergy—it’s likely Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease, a chronic condition where NSAIDs trigger severe respiratory reactions in people with asthma and nasal polyps. Also known as AERD, this condition affects about 1 in 10 adults with asthma and up to half of those with both asthma and recurring nasal polyps. It’s not about being allergic to aspirin in the traditional sense. Instead, your body overproduces inflammatory chemicals called leukotrienes when certain drugs block an enzyme called COX-1. That’s what causes the swelling in your airways, the stuffy nose, and the wheezing that can feel like an asthma attack on steroids.
This isn’t just about aspirin. Any NSAID—ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, even some cold meds—can set it off. People with AERD often have lifelong trouble with nasal congestion, loss of smell, and frequent sinus infections. Many need surgery to remove nasal polyps, only to have them grow back within a year. The condition is closely linked to nasal polyps, noncancerous growths in the nasal passages that block airflow and reduce smell and to asthma, a chronic lung disease marked by airway inflammation and tightening. These aren’t separate issues—they’re parts of the same system gone wrong. Even if your asthma is mild, AERD can make it suddenly worse after taking a regular pain pill.
There’s no cure, but there are ways to take control. Some patients do well with daily steroid sprays and leukotriene blockers like montelukast. Others go through aspirin desensitization—a slow, supervised process where they take increasing doses of aspirin until their body adjusts. It’s not for everyone, but for those who stick with it, it can cut down polyp growth, reduce sinus surgeries, and make asthma easier to manage. Avoiding NSAIDs is key, but it’s not always simple. Many over-the-counter meds hide them in the ingredients. Reading labels isn’t optional—it’s life-saving.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve lived with this. You’ll see how AERD compares to other drug sensitivities, how it affects lung function over time, and what alternatives to painkillers actually work. There’s advice on managing flare-ups, dealing with lost sense of smell, and navigating treatments without risking another attack. No fluff. Just what you need to know to stay safe and make smarter choices every day.
A practical guide to Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), covering its triad of asthma, nasal polyps, NSAID sensitivity, diagnosis, treatment options, lifestyle tips, and emerging research.
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