What percentage of patients with asthma have NSAID sensitivity?

The correct answer indicates that 5-10% of patients with asthma have demonstrated sensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This level of sensitivity is significant and reflects a specific subset of asthmatic individuals who may experience exacerbation of their symptoms upon exposure to NSAIDs, primarily due to an imbalance between leukotriene and prostaglandin production.

NSAID sensitivity in asthmatics is often associated with a phenomenon known as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), which manifests not only as respiratory symptoms but may also include nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis. The percentage of 5-10% highlights the prevalence of this condition as it is recognized in clinical settings, indicating that while NSAID sensitivity is not universal among asthma patients, it is not uncommon either.

In contrast, the other choices reflect higher percentages that do not align with established clinical data. For instance, options suggesting a much larger proportion of patients would imply a more widespread condition than is supported by current statistics, underestimating the overall diversity of asthma phenotypes and their individual sensitivities to medications.