Aspirin-induced asthma and nasal polyps

Abstract

Asthma, aspirin intolerance and nasal polyps form a triad of aspirin-induced asthma (AIA). Eighteen cases, 6 males and 12 females, who complained of asthma attacks and/or rhinorrhea after ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were encountered over several years. The mean age of onset was 32.1 for asthma and 25.4 for rhinitis. Asthma was found in all of the 18 cases and nasal polyps in 13 cases (72.2%). The polyps were recurrent and 7 patients had undergone polypectomies. Urticaria was seen in 44.4% and sinusitis diagnosed by X-ray in 81.8%. Sensitivity to at least one allergen was found in 7 out of 9 cases (77.8%) and 6 out of 11 cases (54.5%) gave results positive for RAST. Eosinophilia was seen in 14 out of 16 patients (87.5%). The pathogenesis of AIA is obscure but is probably related to inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis. We concluded that AIA is not a rare disease in Japan either, and the studies for eosinophilia may be useful for elucidation of the pathogenesis of AIA and nasal polyps.