ASPIRIN AND NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS

Adverse reactions to aspirin (ASA) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been recognized for many years. Systemic or genera lized reactions to ASA/NSAIDs include (1) acute respiratory reactions, characterized by nasal mucosal swelling, laryngeal spasm, and broncho spasm; (2) initiation or perpetuation of urticaria; and (3) anaphylaxi s (anaphylactoid reactions). Each of these systemic reactions presents with different clinical patterns, target organ responses, and mechani sms of action. This article focuses on the spectrum of reactions induc ed by ASA and NSAIDs, the clinical settings in which these reactions o ccur, as well as current insights into pathogenesis and management str ategies that might be helpful to practicing physicians.