Over-the-counter painkillers are used by millions of people daily to treat mild pain and symptoms. Headaches, joint pain, toothache and menstrual pain are just some common reasons people use pain relief tablets, such as aspirin.

However, some people have a condition known as Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD). This condition could leave the patient feeling worse after taking painkillers. Read on to find out all you need to know about AERD.

What Causes Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease?

AERD is brought on by sensitivity to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The symptoms of this condition will begin quickly after the medicine is consumed, and the severity of symptoms will vary.

It is not known why some people suffer from AERD when others do not, but some research suggests smokers and those around second-hand smoke are at higher risk. People are usually first alerted to this condition between the age of 20 – 50.

Symptoms of Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

As with most conditions, symptoms of AERD will vary between sufferers. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Asthma symptoms
  • Sinus issues
  • Nasal congestion
  • Persistent nasal polyps
  • Red eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Sneezing and sniffing
  • Stuffy nose
  • Coughing
  • Chest tightness
  • Wheezing

Less common symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Cramps
  • Loss of sense of smell
  • Persistent sinus infections

Diagnosing Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

No blood test can confirm AERD. Your ENT specialist will likely check to see whether you might also have nasal polyps and asthma, conditions which can also occur with aspirin sensitivity. When all three conditions exist at the same time (aspirin sensitivity, nasal polyps and asthma), a condition known as Samter’s triad is said to exist. Your ENT specialist may arrange an aspirin challenge, which involves the patient taking aspirin while supervised and assessing the results. However, this is not suited to those with confirmed asthma, liver, kidney or heart disease or pregnant people.

 

Treating Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

While this is no exact cure for AERD, several treatment options are available to help manage the symptoms. Steroid sprays and sinus rinses are effective options which can reduce inflammation and give symptomatic relief. In some cases, more powerful steroid preparations may be needed, such as oral tablets or an injection, which can help to shrink the size of nasal polyps.

There is also a process in which a patient can desensitise to the effects of NSAIDs. This involves consuming gradually increasing doses of aspirin daily, under close medical supervision, until symptoms occur. This helps to assess the dose that triggers AERD. A dose just below this is then maintained which helps to build immune tolerance to the NSAID. Such a process is normally conducted in specialist centres in the UK, as not all clinics operating on their own can offer this treatment. Speak with an ENT specialist, such as London ENT, to find out the best treatment plan for you.

To find out about the ENT services offered by London ENT, contact us on 0203 8657225.