Aspirin-sensitive asthma: recent advances in management.

AbstractAspirin (ASA)-sensitive asthma is characterised by a typical sequence of symptoms, including intense eosinophilic inflammation of nasal and bronchial tissues. It is more commonly found in non-atopic, middle-aged female asthmatic patients with chronic rhino-sinusitis and/or nasal polyps. The lysine-aspirin bronchoprovocation test has become a widely used diagnostic test. When ASA-sensitive asthma is confirmed, complete avoidance of ASA/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) is crucial in preventing life-threatening adverse reactions. The basic principle of pharmacotherapy is step-wise treatment based upon anti-inflammatory therapy. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy and anti-leukotriene agents may be indicated for treatment of the underlying disease.ASA desensitisation may reduce inflammatory mucosal disease symptoms,particularly in the nasal passage.