Asthmatics and Neurofen

[diannescruffy]

DD12 is asthmatic and cannot take Neurofen, she was at the my friends house this morning and was complaining she had an earache so my friend gave her Neurofen. I've picked her up and keeping an eye on her, it's been 2hrs and no sign of asthma/breathing difficulties, I'm just wondering how long would the danger period be? TIA.

Regards,
Dianne

[Eenee]

Wow I'd be ****ed at someone giving my kid medication without my permission!

She should be fine though, it only puts them at increased risk of reaction/breathing difficulties. If you haven't noticed anything yet she should be fine.

[Traveller]

People with asthma are more likely to have a response to ibuprofen, but a lot of asthmatics are fine with the drug. It may be that she is not sensitive to the drug. This is taken from the Asthma Foundation's webpage:

Most people with asthma can take pain relievers without any problems. However, up to 11% of adults and 2% of children may develop asthma symptoms after taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and should avoid using these medications. Examples of NSAIDs are Voltaren, Diclofenac, Indocid, Brufen and Ibuprofen, among others. They are also found in some over-the-counter preparations such as Alka-Seltzer tablets.Aspirin/NSAID-intolerant asthma (also known as aspirin-sensitive asthma) is a distinct type of asthma where symptoms can occur within a few minutes or up to 3 hours after taking this type of medication. Symptoms include some or all of the following:

shortness of breath
severely watery eyes or nose
puffiness around the eyes, and/or
skin redness
Those at highest risk of having a reaction are:

People who first developed asthma as an adult, and don’t have allergies
People who have recurring nasal polyps
People who tend to have sudden, severe asthma attacks
People with severe asthma who have a long-term blocked nose or severe watery nose
How do I know if I’m sensitive to aspirin or NSAIDS?

If you are, you typically begin to experience symptoms at around age 30, even if you have taken this type of medication when you were younger with no problems. The first symptoms are severe runny and/or blocked nose and sneezing. Further reactions can lead to a loss of sense of smell, nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis. Asthma typically develops over the next few years.

What should I do if I have a reaction?

If you’ve had a runny nose or wheezing within 3 hours of taking aspirin or an NSAID, you should let your doctor and pharmacist know. You should then avoid taking any medications of this type ever again. You should check the contents label of all over-the-counter preparations. Alternative pain relievers are available so talk to your doctor or pharmacist. For something like a simple headache, a normal dose of paracetamol is recommended. Many people take low-dose aspirin for heart problems and this tends to be safe, but check with your doctor if you are concerned. People who have aspirin-sensitive asthma should be taking a regular preventer medication, and should be referred to a specialist respiratory physician if possible.

If you do develop asthma symptoms at any time, use your reliever medication as advised by your doctor. You should carry your reliever medication with you at all times, and you should also have an up to date Asthma Action Plan so you know what to do when your asthma gets worse.

My bold

As an aside, I would be fizzing if someone gave my child medication, how utterly irresponsible. I hope you told her exactly the effect her actions could have had.

[toomanyshoes]

DD and I both have asthma and can take it without any problems.

[diannescruffy]

Thank you all and Traveller thanks for your information, it helped put my mind at ease as she was in the low risk category. I was less than impressed but when I told my friend she had no idea it could have brought on an asthma attack and was so apologetic I couldn't stay mad, but I was only a phone call away, I would never give medication to someone's child without them knowing.

Regards,
Dianne

[Eenee]

I'd be livid! I wouldn't give nurofen to my child whether they had asthma or not, it is so harsh on the stomach. But that's my opinion. Hope your friend has learnt not to medicate another child without permission again.

[Floweryfields]

I'd be livid! I wouldn't give nurofen to my child whether they had asthma or not, it is so harsh on the stomach. But that's my opinion. Hope your friend has learnt not to medicate another child without permission again.

I've given a 12 year old panadol before - it was at church and her mum was away, was with dad and she was complaining to me about a really bad headache. I offered her panadol (I agree nurofen is a bit different) - but I felt she was old enough to know if she could take something like panadol. I suppose I should've asked permission - which I would with a child younger than that.

[Eenee]

Yes Panadol I think would be different and 12 oops didn't see the age. But yes Panadol has less side effects than nurofen. And being away is a little different to just a stay over. I'd be less upset at panadol.