Samter’s triad, also known as Asthma Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the lungs and sinuses. AERD is a collection of conditions which is known to affect around 7% of adults with asthma, although about 14% of those with severe asthma may have AERD.
The condition is characterized by asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyps, and it tends to impact adults in their thirties. AERD typically begins with nasal symptoms or rhinitis. It then often develops into severe asthma, the effects of which may even require surgery for nasal polyps.
In the latest episode of Lungcast, several different points of view on AERD were highlighted. Host Albert Rizzo, MD, is chief medical officer of the American Lung Association (ALA). The monthly respiratory health podcast series is produced by HCPLive and the ALA.
In this episode, Rizzo was joined by allergist and immunologist Mitchell Grayson, MD, of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He was also joined by patient advocate Rhonda Nelson and her husband Wayne Nelson, a musician and the lead singer of The Little River Band. During their interview, the guests delve into their experiences with diagnoses, maintenance, and living with AERD, covering everything from disease misconceptions to daily needs.
During the episode, various elements of AERD were touched upon by Grayson, whose experience working with the condition allowed for a wide array of discussion points. In one instance, Grayson highlighted that patients with AERD who take Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitors like aspirin can end up having symptoms within 20 minutes and having a severe attack that can even be fatal.
In addition to Grayson’s discussion of the condition and its potential options for treatment, the episode featured a detailed conversation with Rhonda and Wayne Nelson, both of whom shared their experiences. Rhonda Nelson noted that the condition of AERD has impacted her for 22 years, adding that her husband Wayne Nelson had helped care for her along her journey with the condition throughout the years of his recent musical career.
Lungcast is a monthly respiratory news podcast series hosted by Albert Rizzo, MD, chief medical officer of the ALA, and produced by HCPLive.
Subscribe to Lungcast on Spotify here, or listen to the episode below.