Aspirin-induced asthma is an asthma in which an attack of breathlessness occurs after taking aspirin and other drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). What are the causes and symptoms of aspirin-induced asthma?

Aspirin-induced asthmaappears most often after the age of 30, often after a viral infection. Aspirin-induced asthma can be caused not only by acetylsalicylic acid, but also by any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits the secretion of an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1), which is present during inflammatory reactions in the body. Inhibition of COX-1 consequently leads to bronchospasm and an attack of shortness of breath.

Aspirin-induced asthma - symptoms

Symptoms of aspirin-induced asthma usually appear 30-45 minutes after taking the preparation and the most common are:

  • severe breathlessness
  • facial redness
  • runny nose
  • swelling of the nasal mucosa
  • itching, red eyes, watery eyes and swollen eyes
  • stomach pains, sometimes diarrhea

In special cases, anaphylactic shock or even death may occur.

Aspirin-induced asthma - tests

Aspirin hypersensitivity is confirmed during a provocation test with acetylsalicylic acid - the patient is given it in a strictly controlled manner, monitoring lung function (spirometry). Acetylsalicylic acid during the test can be administered:

  • orally (the test is the most reliable then, but remember that reactions to oral administration are the strongest)
  • inhaling (slightly less accurate)
  • nasal (reaction is usually limited to the nose, but a negative test does not rule out aspirin hypersensitivity)

Aspirin-induced asthma - treatment

If you develop asthma symptoms, stop taking the drug immediately and avoid taking it in the future. Corticosteroids can be used to control and reduce the severity of symptoms.

The prognosis for aspirin-induced asthma depends on the timely diagnosis of the disease and the discontinuation of the drug causing the disease, as well as the severity of the symptoms. With symptoms under control, prognosis is generally favorable.

Aspirin-induced asthma - safe painkillers

For people with asthmaThe following are relatively safe aspirin drugs: paracetamol, celecoxib, tramadol, tramal in combination with paracetamol, and opioids, but always consult a doctor before taking them and remember that taking them is not free from side effects.

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Category:

Respiratory system