Nose and paranasal sinuses: aspirin desensitisation: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Nose and paranasal sinuses: aspirin desensitisation

Sample item

A man with asthma, nasal polyps and reactions to aspirin has had two sinus operations, and the polyps keep recurring despite intranasal steroids. Which additional option can reduce recurrence?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Aspirin desensitisation followed by daily aspirin

In aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, controlled desensitisation followed by daily aspirin reduces polyp regrowth and asthma symptoms. It must be done under supervision. Other COX-1 inhibitors cross-react and will trigger reactions.

Option by option

  • A. Repeated antihistamine courses

    Antihistamines do not treat polyps driven by leukotriene overproduction.

  • B. Aspirin desensitisation followed by daily aspirin (correct)

    Correct. Supervised desensitisation with daily aspirin can reduce polyp recurrence in AERD.

  • C. Nasal decongestant sprays

    Decongestants give short relief but worsen rhinitis medicamentosa and do not stop polyps.

  • D. Lifelong ibuprofen as an alternative

    Ibuprofen is a COX-1 inhibitor and cross-reacts, so it would trigger an attack.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Aspirin desensitisation followed by daily aspirin. In aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, controlled desensitisation followed by daily aspirin reduces polyp regrowth and asthma symptoms.

Why is "Repeated antihistamine courses" not the answer?

Antihistamines do not treat polyps driven by leukotriene overproduction.

Why is "Nasal decongestant sprays" not the answer?

Decongestants give short relief but worsen rhinitis medicamentosa and do not stop polyps.

Why is "Lifelong ibuprofen as an alternative" not the answer?

Ibuprofen is a COX-1 inhibitor and cross-reacts, so it would trigger an attack.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nose and paranasal sinuses: aspirin desensitisation in ENT. It must be done under supervision. Other COX-1 inhibitors cross-react and will trigger reactions.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Nose and paranasal sinuses: aspirin desensitisation?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.