Introduction
A low dose of Aspirin can be used every day to make a person less delicate to its components. This is a choice for patients that feel sick when they take medications that have Aspirin, have a growth in their nose (nasal polyp) and have difficulty breathing (asthma). People with this problem have trouble breathing through the nose and mouth, smelling, and feeling pressure in the face. Aspirin makes asthma and polyps worse. Aspirin should be avoided.
Background
No one knows the cause of aspirin allergy. It is rare and difficult to treat. It is more common in women and tends to be diagnosed in the 3rd decade of life. Taking Aspirin increases the substances in the blood that cause inflammation causing Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).
Diagnosis
A special camera is used to see inside the nose (nasal endoscopy). A set of special lung tests are used to see if a patient has asthma. A challenge test is done to see if the patient is sensitive to aspirin. If the patient has nasal polyps, an allergy to aspirin, and asthma the diagnosis is made.
Treatment
Patients with this problem need to have surgery to remove polyps and open the sinuses. Then, patients can take a special dose of aspirin ordered by a doctor to be less sensitive to it. This is done by an allergy doctor. By taking a high dose of the medication, the patient will be less sensitive to it. This will decrease the number of substances that cause inflammation. A baby aspirin has 81 mg of the medication. A regular aspirin has 325 mg. The dose of desensitization is 1300 mg every day. The dose is slowly lowered to 325 mg every day. Continued follow-up by your doctors is needed after desensitization. Side effects are bleeding and ringing in the ears.
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