Undesirable reactions to aspirin and other non-steroidal antiinflammatory d
rugs compose a diverse group of clinical manifestations with different path
ogenic mechanisms. In this review we describe one particular type of manife
station : aspirin-induced asthma. This syndrome describes a straightforward
situation with typical clinical signs. The distinctive sign is asthma trig
gered by aspirin and NSAID. Data has accumulated over recent years concerni
ng the interference of these drugs with arachidonic acid metabolism in the
bronchi and lungs. In patients sensitive to aspirin inhibition of cyclooxyg
enase is accompanied by overproduction of cysteinyl leucotrienes. The clini
cal course of this condition, the pathogenic mechanisms of the undesirable
reactions to aspirin, and treatment are discussed.