What Are the Concerns of Patients with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease?

The disorder known as Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) or Samter’s triad is a chronic inflammatory condition impacting patients’ lungs and sinuses. Affecting close to 7% of adults who have asthma and 14% who have severe asthma, AERD is a collection of conditions which typically begins with nasal symptoms or with rhinitis, often before developing into severe asthma which may require surgery.

During the most recent episode of Lungcast, host Albert Rizzo, MD, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association (ALA), spoke with 3 guests regarding AERD and its impacts on patients. This monthly respiratory health podcast series is produced by HCPLive and by the ALA.

In the above segment, Rizzo spoke with allergist and immunologist Mitchell Grayson, MD, of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Rizzo also spoke with patient advocate Rhonda Nelson and her husband Wayne Nelson, a musician known for his work as the lead singer of The Little River Band.

This segment of the latest episode highlighted the major concerns of those suffering from Samter’s triad, with Grayson noting that individuals with AERD who take Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitors such as aspirin can have symptoms within 20 minutes. They may suffer from a severe AERD attack that can even be fatal in certain circumstances.

After Grayson's discussion of symptoms and characteristics, Rhonda and Wayne Nelson spoke of their experiences dealing with AERD. Rhonda Nelson has lived with the disorder for 22 years and her husband has helped her throughout the process.

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.