Cyclophosphamide-induced nasopharyngeal discomfort (wasabi nose): a report of two cases

Abstract

Transient nasopharyngeal discomfort induced by cyclophosphamide infusion has been described in a few previous case reports. There is a theory that these adverse effects may have a cholinergic mechanism. Several measures have been reported to be successful in relieving these symptoms in some patients. This is a report of two cases in the same institution. In one case, unlike previously reported cases, the nasopharyngeal pain had a delayed onset and was extremely severe and persistent despite the usual interventions. In another case, the symptom was described as ‘wasabi nose’ (the burning, painful feeling that results from eating sushi with wasabi), and appeared to have been relieved by nebulized ipratropium, which has not been previously reported.

Keywords

adverse reaction cyclophosphamide nasopharyngeal discomfort

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