ASS-Intolerance

Between 0.5 and about 6% of all people have an intolerance to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA for short); in asthmatics the intolerance rate is even between 20 – 35%. This makes ASA intolerance one of the most common drug intolerances.Contrary to its name, however, this is not only an intolerance to ASA, but to a large group of painkillers, the so-called NSAIDs, which also include ibuprofen and diclofenac. Early signs of an ASA intolerance are usually a runny nose with an odour reduction and recurrent (recurrent) nasal polyps. Later, hives (urticaria) and asthmatic complaints are added.

X-ray contrast agent intolerance

Allergic reactions to X-ray contrast media are also quite common, accounting for about 4 to 13% of all applications. Two types of reaction play a role here. In the immediate reaction, symptoms occur within a few minutes to an hour.

These complaints usually take the form of a skin rash, but can also be nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. In extreme cases, anaphylactic shock can occur with dangerous breathing and cardiovascular problems. Late reactions, on the other hand, occur only after about 7 to 24 hours as spotty, knotty skin rashes and itching. If a patient is known to be intolerant to contrast media, but the administration of contrast media is unavoidable, an allergic reaction can be prevented by means of glucocorticosteroids, i.e. cortisol, or antihistamines.

Therapy of a drug intolerance

If there is a suspicion of drug intolerance, a doctor should always be consulted. The most important measure in the following is to discontinue the medication to which the allergenic effect is attributed. If subsequent testing confirms that this drug was indeed the trigger of the immune reaction, care should be taken to ensure that this and chemically related drugs are not administered in the future.

If the allergy is more severe, cortisol or antihistamines can be administered, which weaken the immune reaction. In this way a quick relief from symptoms can be achieved. An allergy test should then be carried out. Also helpful is the issuing of an allergy passport, in which the allergenic substances are listed. This passport should always be carried with you.