[Rhinosinusitis polyposa and intolerance to analgesics (aspirin intolerance)]

Although the signs or symptoms of rhinitis, bronchial asthma, urticaria and hypersensitivity to non-steroidal antiphlogistics, antirheumatics and analgesics as well as to some foods, seem to point towards an anaphylactic reaction, this intolerance--known in the U.S.A. as "aspirin intolerance"--is of non-allergic aetiology. In most cases the disease begins in the upper airways. Hence, early diagnosis by the ENT specialist is essential. The medical examinations and case histories of 20 patients suffering from rhinosinusitis complicated by aspirin intolerance, are discussed.