Sensitivity to aspirin--methods of detection of sensitivity and inducing tolerance state to aspirin

The paper deals with various methods of detection of bronchoconstrictor and urticaria/angioedema types of sensitivity to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The authors consider that anamnesis plays the major part in detection of sensitivity to these drugs. Oral challenge tests should be applied only with the use of acetylsalicylic acid administered at small, increasing doses at intervals not shorter than 24 h. Tolerance to aspirin is elicited using aspirin at 24 hour intervals, beginning with a threshold dose. The authors prefer, however, their own method where a subthreshold dose is the initial one. The protective role of sodium salicylate against aspirin-induced bronchoconstriction is also discussed.