aspirin-induced asthma


aspirin-induced asthma

A condition characterised by a triad of asthma, aspirin sensitivity and nasal polyps, affecting up to 10% of asthmatics and usually presenting by age 30 to 40. A single dose of aspirin or, less commonly, other NSAIDs can provoke an acute asthmatic attack with rhinorrhoea, conjunctival irritation, and flushing of the head and neck due to post-exposure increase of eosinophil and secretion of cysteinyl leukotrienes.
Management
Avoid trigger agents; leukotriene antagonists may help.