Aspirin-induced asthma is referred to as continuous inflammation of airways which increases aggressively by intake of aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Aspirin-induced asthma consists of a clinical trial of asthma that is –

1. Chronic rhino-sinusitis with a nasal polyp
2. Precipitation of asthma
3. Rhinitis attacks for intake of aspirin and other NSAIDs

This triad is also known as Samter’s Triad.

Aspirin-induced asthma is more severe in nature and also most common in adults than in children. This disease is usually seen in between 30 to 50 years of age. There are various names for Aspirin-induced asthma (ASA)-

• Aspirin triad
• ASA sensitivity
• ASA sensitivity
• ASA exacerbated respiratory disease or AERD

The signs of the aspirin-induced asthma are as follows –

• Sinus infection
• Nasal polyp
• Sensitivity to aspirin
• Constriction of the air pathway due to inflammation

The various symptoms of the aspirin-induced asthma possibly are

• The onset of breathing problems
• Cough during the night time
• Increase of heart rate due to difficulty in breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Face turns bluish in colour
• Nasal polyp
• Aspirin-induced hive
• Stomach pain
• A patient can also go into shock and then be unconscious

The treatment for aspirin-induced asthma mainly depends on identifying the symptoms and consulting a doctor on time. If the patient needs to be hospitalized, then the following check-up should be done to get a hold on to the present situation- 

• Lung function test (Spirometry, Peak flow measurement)
• Blood function test
• Kidney function test
• Arterial blood gas test – This test is done to identify the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
• Challenge test

The medication needed for treating the disease are as follows –

Long Term Control Medication

• Inhaled corticosteroids are mostly used to treat people
• Leukotriene receptor antagonist prevent airway narrowing
• Long-acting beta-adrenergic agonist

Short Term Medication

• Short-acting beta-adrenergic agonist
• Oral and intravenous corticosteroids
• Inhalers

Aspirin-induced asthma can be prevented by some important steps which is as follows –

• First and foremost, NSAIDs should be avoidedand the person who is allergic to aspirin can also be allergic to high dosage of paracetamol, so paracetamol is also should be avoided.
• COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib can be used instead of aspirin or NSAIDs as a pain killer as it does not induce the attack.
• Desensitization of the aspirin should be given to those patients who require painkillers for daily use.
• If sinusitis is present it can be treated by antibiotics but if any sinus poly is present, then it has to be treated by surgical approach.

For more details and treatment plan of Aspirin-induced asthma Please contact our Pulmonology Department