The effect of sodium cromoglycate on analgesic-induced asthmatic reactions.

The onset of increased airways obstruction after analgesic ingestion by asthmatics with analgesic idiosyncrasy suggests an immediate type 1 allergic response. The effect of sodium cromoglycate (DSCG) on this response was assessed in nineteen patients with this syndrome. DSCG prevented asthmatic attacks in only three patients, all non-atopic, suggesting that analgesic idiosyncrasy is not an allergic disorder, The effectiveness of DSCG in preventing asthmatic attacks in some patients with analgesic idiosyncrasy would suggest that a trial of this preparation should be undertaken before commencing continuous corticosteroid therapy.