Samter's Triad: What It Is, How It Affects You, and What You Can Do

When you have Samter's Triad, a chronic condition linking asthma, nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin and other NSAIDs. Also known as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, it doesn’t just cause runny noses or wheezing—it can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks when you take common pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen. This isn’t a simple allergy. It’s a systemic reaction tied to how your body produces inflammatory chemicals, especially when COX-1 enzymes are blocked by NSAIDs.

People with Samter’s Triad often struggle with recurring nasal polyps, noncancerous growths in the sinuses that block airflow and reduce smell, which keep coming back even after surgery. Many also have severe asthma, that’s harder to control than typical asthma and often starts in adulthood. And unlike regular allergies, antihistamines rarely help. The real trigger? aspirin sensitivity, a reaction that causes swelling in the airways, congestion, and sometimes full-blown respiratory failure within hours. This isn’t rare—about 1 in 10 adults with asthma and nasal polyps have it.

You might think avoiding NSAIDs is enough, but hidden sources—like cold medicines, menstrual pain relievers, or even some topical creams—can sneak in. That’s why tracking every medication and supplement matters. Some patients find relief through aspirin desensitization, a controlled process under medical supervision that can reduce polyp growth and improve breathing over time. Others need steroid sprays, biologics, or surgery. But knowing you have Samter’s Triad changes everything: it tells you which drugs to avoid, which treatments might work, and why your symptoms keep returning.

What you’ll find below are real stories and science-backed advice from people living with this condition. You’ll learn how to spot early signs, which meds are safe to take, how to talk to your doctor about alternatives, and what new research says about managing the inflammation that drives this trio of symptoms. No fluff. Just what works—and what to avoid.

Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease: Understanding Asthma and NSAID Sensitivity

Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) is a severe condition linking asthma, nasal polyps, and NSAID sensitivity. Learn how it develops, why it's often missed, and how aspirin desensitization can change your prognosis.