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Abstract:
The following beliefs about aspirin sensitivity are widely held: (1) it usually is accompanied by nasal polyps. (2) It occurs primarily in nonallergic patients. (3) Its most common manifestation is asthma. (4) When it is combined with polyps and asthma (the so-called "aspirin triad"), the prognosis is unfavorable. (5) Polypectomy may precipitate asthma in aspirin sensitive patients. This paper, based on a study of 112 private patients, presents clinical evidence to refute these beliefs. It shows the following: (1) Aspirin allergy is accompanied by polyps in less than 5% of cases (13% of asthma patients). (2) In most cases, patients show well-defined allergy to an inhalant, food, or other drug. (3) Its most common manifestations are urticaria and angiodema, not asthma. (4) The prognosis is favorable, whether or not polyps are present. (5) Polypectomy does not precipitate asthma in aspirin-sensitive patients.