Virtual Medical Centre

Aspirin-induced asthma

• What is Aspirin-induced asthma?
• Who gets Aspirin-induced asthma?
• Predisposing Factors
• Progression
• Probable Outcomes
• How is Aspirin-induced asthma Diagnosed?
• How is Aspirin-induced asthma treated?
• Aspirin-induced asthma References

What is Aspirin-induced asthma?

Aspirin induced asthma is characterized by aggressive and continuous inflammation of the airways leading to worsening of asthma after ingestion of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There are many other terms for this condition, including:

• ASA-induced asthma
  
• aspirin triad
  
• ASA sensitivity
  
• ASA intolerant asthma
  
• ASA-exacerbated respiratory disease

However, aspirin induced asthma has the most widespread use and acceptance in clinical medicine.

As in asthma, this is a disease that occurs in the lungs.

Who gets Aspirin-induced asthma?

The cases of aspirin induced asthma is common amongst patients with asthma as a disease.

A Finland study concluded that the cases of aspirin induced shortness of breath or asthma attacks was 1.2%. Also a study from Poland concluded that the cases was 4.3% in patients with a diagnosis of asthma. In Perth, Western Australia, the prevalence of chest symptoms triggered by aspirin was 10-11% amongst patients with asthma.

Predisposing Factors

The predisposing factors for this disease remain vague. Age is important as the disease usually begins at 30-50 years old. However all ages can be affected.

Studies have indicated the possibility of genetic risk factors for this disease.

Progression

Aspirin induced asthma develops following a characteristic sequence of events. At an average age of 30 years old, persistent rhinitis (hay fever) will appear, then followed by asthma, aspirin sensitivity and nasal polyps. The triad of asthma, aspirin sensitivity and nasal polyps are termed Samter's triad.

The exact mechanism of this disease remains unknown, however continuing research has shed some light. It is thought that certain biochemical compounds in the body are either overproduced or underproduced, leading to imbalance of these compounds.

This disease is thought to have an allergic component to the mechanism.