Aspirin allergy treatment

Aspirin and asthma

If you have asthma, you may also be burdened by sensitivity to aspirin. In fact, any NSAID (aspirin, Advil, ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve) can actually worsen the condition for the 40% of asthma sufferers with nasal/sinus polyps who are sensitive or allergic to the medication.

This classic triad of symptoms – asthma, nasal/sinus polyps and aspirin sensitivity – is known as Samter’s Syndrome. If aspirin is taken, it can trigger wheezing, shortness of breath and cough.

We help patients overcome aspirin sensitivity with a procedure called aspirin desensitization. You’re given a small dose of aspirin at first, and then our doctors gradually increase the amount every few hours. Your response to each dose is closely monitored until a reaction such as wheezing, shortness of breath or nasal congestion occurs. Aspirin is then re-administered and tolerated.

This gradual increase of dosage helps safely build up a tolerance, ultimately making you resistant to aspirin side effects. The complete aspirin desensitization process requires several visits. To maintain the effectiveness of the aspirin desensitization treatment, aspirin will need to be taken on a daily basis indefinitely.

Benefits

  • Greatly reduced symptoms of nasal congestion, sinusitis and cough
  • Decreased need for sinus surgery and nasal corticosteroids
  • Improved asthma control
  • No allergic reaction taking any NSAID