Jenkins et al. Systematic review of prevalence of aspirin induced asthma and its implications for clinical practice. BMJ 2004;328:434

Abstract

A review of a number of data sources showed that the frequency of aspirin-triggered asthma in groups of individuals with chronic asthma was considerably higher when determined by oral aspirin challenge (mean, 21% in adults and 5% in children) than when determined by positive patient verbal histories (3% for adults and 2% in children). Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs triggered asthma in most aspirin-sensitive individuals with asthma, but the incidence of cross-sensitivity to paracetamol (acetaminophen) in such patients was only 7%. Of note, studies by the Scripps Clinic group have shown that the occasional triggering of respiratory symptoms by acetaminophen in such patients might be related to the dose of acetaminophen ingested. A review of a number of data sources showed that the frequency of aspirin-triggered asthma in groups of individuals with chronic asthma was considerably higher when determined by oral aspirin challenge (mean, 21% in adults and 5% in children) than when determined by positive patient verbal histories (3% for adults and 2% in children). Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs triggered asthma in most aspirin-sensitive individuals with asthma, but the incidence of cross-sensitivity to paracetamol (acetaminophen) in such patients was only 7%. Of note, studies by the Scripps Clinic group have shown that the occasional triggering of respiratory symptoms by acetaminophen in such patients might be related to the dose of acetaminophen ingested.