Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by respiratory symptoms such as asthma, nasal polyps, and sinusitis, which are exacerbated by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin. AERD is also known as Samter's triad, aspirin-sensitive asthma, and aspirin-induced asthma.

Symptoms

Symptoms of AERD include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure. These symptoms typically occur within minutes to hours after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. In severe cases, AERD can cause life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Cause

The exact cause of AERD is unknown, but it is believed to be an immune-mediated response to the ingestion of aspirin or other NSAIDs. Research has also shown that there may be a genetic component to the disease, as it tends to run in families.

Risk

Individuals who are at higher risk for developing AERD include those with a history of asthma, nasal polyps, or chronic sinusitis. Other risk factors may include a history of chronic infections, exposure to environmental pollutants, and a family history of AERD.

Prevention

Prevention of AERD includes avoiding the use of aspirin and other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen. Individuals with AERD should also avoid foods and products that contain aspirin, such as certain fruits and spices.

Treatment

Treatment for AERD typically involves the use of corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms. In some cases, aspirin desensitization therapy may be recommended to increase tolerance to aspirin and other NSAIDs.

There is some evidence to suggest that complementary and alternative therapies, such as Oriental medicine, acupuncture, massage, acupressure, herbs, and yoga, may be helpful in managing AERD symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these therapies.

Oriental Medicine

In Oriental medicine, AERD is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the body's energy or qi. Treatment may involve acupuncture to stimulate specific acupoints and improve energy flow, as well as the use of herbal remedies to alleviate symptoms and strengthen the immune system.

Massage and acupressure may also be used to help manage AERD symptoms by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation. Yoga may be beneficial in improving lung function and reducing stress, which can exacerbate AERD symptoms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AERD is a chronic respiratory condition that can be life-threatening in severe cases. While there is no cure for AERD, avoiding NSAIDs and managing symptoms with medication can be effective in reducing the risk of exacerbations. Complementary and alternative therapies may also be helpful in managing symptoms, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness. Individuals with AERD should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their specific needs.

References :

• "Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management" (2019) by Nasser Said Alotaibi, Abdulrahman S. Alwhaibi, and Fahad B. Almutairi. This article discusses the latest advances in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of AERD, including the use of aspirin desensitization, biologics, and other medications.

• "Acupuncture for Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2015) by Benno Brinkhaus, et al. This study found that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, which is a common comorbidity in patients with AERD.

• "Herbal medicine for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review" (2015) by Hyun-Jong Lee, et al. This review discusses the potential benefits of herbal medicine for treating allergic rhinitis, which is a common symptom in patients with AERD.

• "The effect of yoga on respiratory functions and immune system in patients with asthma: A randomized controlled trial" (2016) by Fatemeh Azizi, et al. This study found that yoga may be an effective adjunct therapy for asthma, which is a common comorbidity in patients with AERD.

• "Acupressure for respiratory allergy symptoms: A systematic review" (2020) by Yui Yamauchi, et al. This review discusses the potential benefits of acupressure for treating respiratory allergy symptoms, which are common in patients with AERD.

• "Effect of Massage Therapy on Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (2021) by Nada Alqahtani, et al. This study found that massage therapy may be an effective adjunct therapy for allergic rhinitis, which is a common symptom in patients with AERD.

• "Effects of moxibustion therapy for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (2018) by Sooseong You, et al. This meta-analysis found that moxibustion therapy may be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, which is a common symptom in patients with AERD.

• "Effectiveness of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (2015) by Yihan He, et al. This meta-analysis found that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, which is a common comorbidity in patients with AERD.