Der Internist
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The full clinical picture of aspirin intolerance - the association of aspirin-induced bronchial asthma, aspirin sensitivity and nasal polyps - has been described as Morbus Widal or later as the "Samter triad". Today the term Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is preferred to account for the progressive nature of this inflammatory airway condition with its unrelenting course even in the absence of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). This acquired idiosyncrasy appears to be related to an abnormal arachidonic acid metabolism. ⋯ While a typical history and endoscopic findings can be suggestive of AERD, a definite diagnosis relies on appropriate challenge tests. AERD is often refractory to standard asthma treatment with systemic and inhaled steroids, β(2)-agonists, leukotrien-antagonists. Adaptive desactivation can induce a reversible tolerance to NSAID which also leads to an improvement in signs and symptoms of the underlying AERD.