Sensitivity and tolerance to tartrazine in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics

The occurrence of sensitivity to tartrazine was examined in 51 patients with asthma and aspirin sensitivity. All patients underwent oral challenge tests with aspirin and tartrazine. Sensitivity to tartrazine was found in 16 i.e. 31.4% of tested asthmatics. The symptoms of sensitivity to tartrazine were similar to those of aspirin. Tolerance to tartrazine was induced in 5 aspirin and tartrazine sensitive asthmatics. Sensitivity to both substances was manifested in these 5 persons as dyspnea but 2 of them had additional extrabronchial symptoms. A good tolerance of 40 mg tartrazine was achieved in all the challenged patients who did not refer any dyspnea and extrabronchial symptoms. It was also proven that, being in the aspirin tolerance state the patients could be given tartrazine with no sensitivity symptoms. The authors think that the possibility of inducing tartrazine and aspirin tolerance, as well as the course of sensitivity reaction to both substances, both point to a similar pathogenetic background.