TITLE:
Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease: The Dentist’s Role in Recognition, Referral, and Management
AUTHORS:
Shawn Griffin, Madison Watt, Emily Li, James J. Closmann
KEYWORDS:
Dentistry, Asthma, Aspirin, Samter’s Triad
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Stomatology,
Vol.14 No.12,
November
28,
2024
ABSTRACT: Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), also known as Samter’s triad, is characterized by aspirin intolerance, nasal polyps with recurrent rhinitis, and asthma. The components of AERD are frequently encountered in dental offices. This article reviews the screening and appropriate referral of patients who may have AERD. The implications of AERD on a patient’s daily life, as well as a brief overview of potential treatments, are followed by a case report of a 36-year-old female patient. In the case report, a 36-year-old female patient with a history of chronic sinusitis, asthma, and aspirin allergy presents to a dental office with no evidence of oral disease. The case then describes the referral process to Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) for further evaluation, the diagnosis of Samter’s triad, and subsequent treatment through endoscopic sinus (ESS) surgery to remove nasal polyps. The patient experienced relief of symptoms at the one-year postoperative follow-up. As dental providers often serve as a frequent point of contact for many patients—some of whom may see their dentists more regularly than their primary care providers—we are uniquely positioned to recognize signs and symptoms in the head and neck region that may indicate systemic disease.