Hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and tartrazine in patients with asthma

Abstract

Asthmatics (140) were tested perorally with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and/or with the azo-color tartrazine; a fall in PEF [peak expiratory flow] of more than 20% was accepted as a positive result. About 1/4 of the patients displayed a positive reaction to 1 of the 2 tested angents. No significant correlation was found between the reactions of these, and the presence of atopy, nasal polyposis, sinusitis, rhinitis, sensitivity to cold air, the age at onset, duration of asthma or history of sensitivity to alcoholic drinks. The history suggested sensitivity to ingested, possibly colored, food and drink, in only about 1/3 of the tartrazine-positive cases. The ASA provocation tests were mainly applied to patients with doubtful or negative histories of sensitivity of ASA-containing drugs. The frequency of cross-reactivity between the 2 tested agents was statistically significant; patients reacting to tartrazine were, for the most part, also sensitive to ASA. Tests for sensitivity to analgesics and food additives should be conducted as a routine measure in asthmatics; sensitive patients should be given information on suitable medication and dietary control.