EARTHtimes.org reports that the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) recently published a paper on the diagnosis of aspirin hypersensitivity.

While most people tolerate it, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can trigger violent allergic reactions, asthma, sinusitis, or urticaria (hives). Such reactions may lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal multi-system reaction.

Hypersensitivity to aspirin is one of the most common adverse drug reactions, and it is largely under-diagnosed. At least 0.5% of the general population suffers from aspirin hypersensitivity, and asthma sufferers are more likely to be affected. A recent study found that about 20% of asthmatic adults are hypersensitive to aspirin.

The only way to test for aspirin hypersensitivity is to administer a challenge test, in which very small amounts of aspirin are given to the patient in increasing doses. The GA2LEN paper outlines the protocols for a challenge test.

‘We hope this position paper will enable physicians to proceed with diagnosis,’ says Professor Andrew Szczeklik, the main author of the paper. ‘A long list of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs for common indications, such as headache, is contraindicated to hypersensitive patients. A proper diagnosis will have a real benefit for them as they will be directed by their doctors to alternative medication[s] that are completely safe to take, without any side-effect[s].’