Final answer:
Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) is a medical condition characterized by a combination of asthma, nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin and NSAIDs, leading to exacerbated symptoms and overproduction of leukotrienes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A condition known as Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), also termed aspirin-induced asthma, presents with a triad of asthma, nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Individuals with this condition experience exacerbated asthma symptoms upon ingestion of aspirin or NSAIDs due to alterations in their inflammatory pathways, leading to overproduction of leukotrienes. These leukotrienes are potent inflammatory chemicals produced when the lipoxygenase pathway is upregulated after inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway by aspirin.
The pathophysiology of AERD is complex, involving a dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism in the pathways that produce eicosanoids. Treatment protocols generally include the avoidance of aspirin and NSAIDs, the use of leukotriene receptor antagonists, corticosteroids to control inflammation, and in some cases, aspirin desensitization under medical supervision. Comprehensive management includes monitoring and treating the respiratory and nasal symptoms to improve quality of life and prevent complications.