Thwarting an aspirin allergy.

Harvard Heart Letter, September, 2004

Aspirin can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Careful desensitization can hold them at bay.

Simple, inexpensive aspirin has been hailed as a miracle drug. It can ease pain, cool a fever, and prevent a heart attack. It may even ward off some types of cancer. People with asthma, though, often shy away from aspirin because it can trigger asthma symptoms. And some people who take aspirin don't realize that their chronic sinus problem or perpetually runny nose is due to the drug.

Most people take aspirin without any problems. But it causes congestion or breathing problems in 5% or more of people with asthma. Many others have an undetected allergy or sensitivity to aspirin and related drugs.

Avoiding aspirin is an option for people seeking relief from...