Samter's triad (aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease — AERD) is characterized by which combination?

• A Allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis
• B Chronic sinusitis, aspirin sensitivity, and food allergy
• C Anosmia, asthma, and bronchiectasis
• D Nasal polyps, asthma, and aspirin/NSAID hypersensitivity ✓

Explanation

Samter's triad (AERD) consists of nasal polyps, aspirin-exacerbated asthma, and aspirin/NSAID hypersensitivity. The mechanism involves aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism: COX-1 inhibition by aspirin diverts metabolism to the lipoxygenase pathway, generating excess cysteinyl leukotrienes that cause bronchoconstriction and nasal symptoms. These patients have severe, recurrent nasal polyposis and benefit from aspirin desensitization after initial FESS. This is not IgE-mediated (no allergy required) and is distinct from allergic disease.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.