What is a primary characteristic of asthma associated with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease?

Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), also known as Samter's triad, is characterized by a specific set of symptoms that notably include asthma, nasal polyps, and aspirin sensitivity. The presence of nasal polyps is a hallmark feature of AERD. These polyps can cause obstruction and contribute to the inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract, which exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Patients with AERD often experience more severe asthma attacks or increased symptoms after taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to an underlying sensitivity. In this context, the presence of nasal polyps indicates a chronic inflammatory condition of the upper respiratory tract that often coincides with asthma, specifically in individuals with aspirin sensitivity.

The other choices, while related to asthma and respiratory issues, do not specifically define AERD. Chronic cough, frequent respiratory infections, and persistent wheezing can occur in various forms of asthma but are not unique characteristics of aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease. Thus, the presence of nasal polyps clearly stands out as a primary characteristic associated with this specific condition.