Genetics of aspirin induced asthma

Aspirin induced asthma (AIA) is more common in women than in men. The first symptoms of the disease are often a viral respiratory infection which is followed by a prolonged and perennial rhinitis. 1 Nasal congestion, anosmia, and rhinorrhoea are accompanied by nasal polyps which are found on physical examination in about half the patients. Within a few years bronchial asthma develops, characterised by aspirin intolerance. Aspirin precipitates life threatening attacks of asthma accompanied by rhinorrhoea, conjunctive congestion, and facial and neck flushing. The trait of aspirin sensitivity, despite avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to which patients usually have cross sensitivity, frequently remains for the patient's lifetime.