Samter's Triad to Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease: Historical Perspective and Current Clinical Practice.

ABSTRACT

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), formerly known as Samter's Triad, is a syndrome of airway inflammation characterized by rhinosinusitis with polyposis, asthma, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intolerance. Approximately 7% of patients with asthma will also have AERD making prompt identification, diagnosis, and management of this syndrome important to controlling the disease progression. This paper will provide a brief biographical background on Max Samter, MD, followed by an epidemiologic overview, clinical presentation and diagnosis, and management strategies, which highlight patient counseling and educational needs.