Mechanisms
In patients with AIA, asthmatic attacks can be caused by ASA and other NSAIDS. After desensitization, cross desensitization to other NSAIDS that inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) also occurs.
- Szczeklik et al reported in 1975 that drug cross-reactivity could be predicted on the basis of each NSAID’s in vitro inhibition of COX. This has been consistently reaffirmed over the years.