Avoidance is the best technique for preventing symptoms in those with aspirin sensitivity. In addition to avoiding aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), patients should be aware that these drugs often are found in other medications used to treat colds and cough, pain, and fever.

The three elements in Samter’s triad are treated separately with avoidance (aspirin sensitivity), surgery or corticosteroids (nasal polyps) and general treatments for the asthma component. A small percentage of those with Samter’s triad will also develop hives or angioedema. These are treated with antihistamines and corticosteroids.

Patients who require aspirin therapy for cardiovascular or rheumatic diseases may need to undergo drug desensitization therapy until their body eventually stops reacting to aspirin. This must be done under close physician supervision, with dosage levels gradually increased while the patient is closely monitored. Patients then will need to take aspirin every day to maintain the desensitized state.

Because the success of drug desensitization therapy depends on the severity of the reaction, not all patients who require aspirin are candidates for the treatment. Patients who experience breathing problems with aspirin are better candidates for desensitization than patients who develop hives.  

In addition, while antihistamines have not proved effective in treating aspirin sensitivity, leukotriene modifiers do appear to be effective in inhibiting reactions.

Patients should not take any drug without first consulting a physician, and should be careful to avoid any medication with the word “salicylate” in the list of active ingredients.