ASPIRIN ALLERGY: ITS RELATIONSHIP TO CHRONIC INTRACTABLE ASTHMA

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Abstract
The frequent association of aspirin allergy with cases of severe chronic asthma having a poor prognosis, prompted a review of the findings in 45 patients. A high incidence of familial allergy, emphysema nasal allergy with polyposis, eosinophilia, and frequent absence of positive skin reactions to specific agents was found. Attention to specific factors, where identified, resulted in some improvment. In the majority, where etiological factors could not be detd., management based on the control of associated infectious elements proved disappointing. Non-specific methods of treatment were of limited value. Since aspirin in these patients produces acute episodes of asthma, yet fails to give positive skin reactions, it is suggested that repeated exposure to other substances of a chemical nature, also incapable of giving positive skin tests may be responsible for the chronic asthma encountered in these individuals. Such substances could be present in the diet or environment. Allergy to aspirin may be an indicator that the individual has acquired the mechanism to react to simple chemical compounds. Such a mechanism could explain the many cases of allergic disease where a specific protein allergen cannot be dentified.

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