:
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