Asthma with aspirin intolerance. Clinical entity or coincidence of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity and aspirin intolerance.

The study was performed in 52 aspirin - sensitive asthmatics. It was possible to establish aspirin intolerance from the history in 46 persons and after aspirin challenge in 6 persons. All patients underwent allergological and laryngological examination and 41 aspirin oral challenge. A history of intolerance in the family was reported by 3 persons. In 6 persons, i.e. 11.5%, aspirin intolerance perceded the development of asthma. 36 persons, i.e. 70% exhibited at least 2 features of atopy, namely positive history and positive skin tests. Nasal and paranasal polyps were found in 77% of the group examined. The sequence of asthma, polyps and aspirin sensitivity has been analyzed. The authors conclude that aspirin - induced bronchoconstriction is the effect of the coincidence of two different phenomena in one subject, i. e. bronchial hyperreactivity and ASA - intolerance.