ASPIRIN DESENSITIZATION

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Aspirin Desensitization treats patients with respiratory reactions to aspirin or related medications (such as ibuprofen). Aspirin intolerance is usually seen in patients with chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and asthma. Symptoms of these respiratory reactions include wheezing, sneezing, eye watering and sometimes skin sensations/rash. Some reports show fatal reactions to aspirin and ibuprofen.

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The process of aspirin desensitization involves a medical facility where emergency treatments are readily available. Initially, nasal sprays administer small doses of ketorolac (an aspirin like drug). At intervals between 1-2 hours apart, doctors give you increasing doses followed by high doses of aspirin by mouth. Intravenous or nebulizer medications treat any reactions. The process typically takes 2 days. Alternatively, some patients need are kept in the hospital longer. After the patient completes desensitization, they continue to take aspirin daily with no discontinuation more than 2 days.

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