intrinsic asthma (features of)

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • no history of allergy, e.g. eczema, hay fever; may be family history asthma.
  • late onset
  • no seasonal variation
  • investigation - normal IgE; variable eosinophilia; skin prick test negative
  • patients may be aspirin-sensitive - aspirin may have a role as a trigger factor in about 5% of patients with asthma. Asthma and aspirin sensitivity is associated with nasal polyps forming Samster's triad.
  • response to therapy
    • beta agonists - variable
    • disodium chromoglycate - poor