Does Ibuprofen Cause Asthma Attacks

How To Cope With Side Effects

What to do about:

• headaches â make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Dont drink too much alcohol. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.
• feeling dizzy â if ibuprofen makes you feel dizzy, stop what youre doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Avoid coffee, cigarettes and alcohol. If the dizziness doesnt get better within a couple of days, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• feeling sick â stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.
• being sick â have small, frequent sips of water. Speak to a pharmacist if you have , such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Dont take any other medicines to treat without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
• wind â try not to eat foods that cause wind . Eat smaller meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. There are pharmacy medicines that can also help, such as charcoal tablets or simethicone.
• indigestion â if you get repeated indigestion stop taking ibuprofen and see your doctor as soon as possible. If you need something to ease the discomfort, try taking an , but do not put off going to the doctor.

Ibuprofen May Be Associated With Sexual Dysfunction And Infertility

Men who have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection or women who have difficulty conceiving should take a look at their NSAID use and speak to their doctor.

Studies have shown men who take high doses of ibuprofen for several months are more at risk of infertility, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and muscle wastage. Prolonged ibuprofen usage disrupts testosterone hormones.

Erection problems were twice as common in men who took NSAIDs regularly compared with men who took the drugs less frequently or not at all in a Journal of Urology study. Several studies have reported an increase in rates of conception once NSAIDs were stopped.

Aspirin And Other Drugs That May Trigger Asthma

Many people with have sensitivities to certain drugs that can precipitate an asthma attack . If you have , you need to be aware of which may be triggers. You do not need to avoid these medications unless you know they are asthma triggers for you. If these medications have never triggered your , it is still best to take the medications with caution because a reaction can occur at any time.

Below is a list of the most common medications known to trigger symptoms of asthma. However, if you are prescribed any medication that you think may be causing your asthma to worsen, discuss it with your doctor.

Aspirin Sensitivity, Asthma, and Nasal Polyps. Some people with asthma cannot take aspirin or NSAIDs because of whatâs known as Samterâs a combination of asthma, aspirin sensitivity, and nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are small growths that form inside the nasal cavity.

This aspirin sensitivity occurs in about 30% to 40% of those who have asthma and nasal polyps. Many people with Samters triad have nasal symptoms, such as runny nose, postnasal drip, and congestion, along with asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, , and shortness of breath. Talk to your doctor about options other than aspirin and NSAIDs if you have this.

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What Is Aspirin Desensitization

People with AERD can undergo a procedure, called aspirin desensitization, which can induce tolerance to aspirin. Even if youve had life-threatening respiratory reactions youll be able to take aspirin without reacting to it.

To do this, youre challenged with graded doses of aspirin over a period of several days. Your provider starts by giving a very small dose of aspirin and watches to see if you react. When you get to the dose that causes symptoms, youll keep getting that dose until you can tolerate this dose without adverse reaction. Youll then get higher and higher doses of the drug. As you keep getting the higher doses, your body will start to accept the drug without reacting.

Aspirin desensitization is generally done over a period of several days.

Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease , also termed aspirin-induced asthma, is a medical condition initially defined as consisting of three key features: asthma, respiratory symptoms exacerbated by aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , and nasal polyps. The symptoms of respiratory reactions in this syndrome are hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs rather than the typically described true allergic reactions that trigger other common allergen-induced asthma, rhinitis, or hives. The NSAID-induced reactions do not appear to involve the common mediators of true allergic reactions, immunoglobulin E or T cells. Rather, AERD is a type of NSAID-induced hypersensitivity syndrome. EAACI/WHO classifies the syndrome as one of five types of NSAID hypersensitivity or NSAID hypersensitivity reactions.

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What Are The Effects Of Ibuprofen On Asthma

Various medical studies have shown that the use of ibuprofen by those with asthma may increase the risk of a serious attack, decrease the risk of such an attack, or have no effect at all on a patient. The contradictory results of these medical studies suggest that the effects of ibuprofen on asthma are highly variable and cannot be predicted. Patients who have been diagnosed with asthma should carefully monitor their condition while taking ibuprofen. If the patient does not have an adverse reaction, it is generally safe to assume that that patients asthma will remain stable even when the patient takes this medication. Most of the time, the effects of ibuprofen on those with asthma can be predicted by whether a patient has had an adverse reaction to ibuprofen in the past.

Some medical studies have suggested that the effects of ibuprofen on asthma can cause a severe reaction in certain patients. Ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , can trigger a severe asthma attack in some people. NSAIDs can prevent prostaglandin biosynthesis, which may cause the bronchial passageways to constrict. This can cause a particularly severe asthma attack that can possibly lead to the death of the patient. Patients who are sensitive to this medication are more likely to have an asthma attack after taking ibuprofen.

Medications That Can Worsen Asthma

When we think of triggers for asthma, the use of medicines for other medical problems doesnt usually come to mind. Usually, medicines help a persons medical conditionsdoesnt worsen them. However, there are some medicines that a person can take that can worsen asthma symptoms, or cause other respiratory symptoms such as coughing. Therefore, it is important that you inform each and every doctor that treats you about your asthma and other medical problems.

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What About Aspirin And Other Pain Relievers

Aspirin and drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be harmful in people with asthma. Ibuprofen , naproxen and ketoprofen are examples of NSAIDs. If you are allergic to aspirin, ask your doctor or pharmacist to make sure any new medicine you might take is not related to aspirin.

Most times, acetaminophen can be taken by people with asthma. This medicine is used for fever and pain. Very rarely, even acetaminophen may make asthma worse. If this happens to you, tell your doctor.

What Other Information Should I Know

If you are taking prescription ibuprofen, do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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The Finger Also Pointed At Ibuprofen

And, ultimately, since ibuprofen use also increased during this time, theories were postulated, and studies seemed to confirm, that it was also guilty of causing new-onset asthma and of causing asthma attacks. Study after study continued to confirm suspicions that common pain relievers were guilty.3,4

How Does Ibuprofen Affect Asthma

According to ibuprofens package insert, you shouldnt take it if you have experienced asthma, urticaria , or an allergic reaction after taking an NSAID. If you have asthma and are aspirin-sensitive, using these products may cause severe bronchospasm, which can be life-threatening.

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs work by inhibiting a protein called cyclooxygenase. Its not clear why some people with asthma are overly sensitive to these inhibitors.

It may be related to overproduction of chemicals called leukotrienes. In people with asthma, leukotrienes are released into the airways by allergy cells in the bronchial tubes. This causes bronchial muscles to spasm and bronchial tubes to swell.

The reason some people with asthma produce too many leukotrienes isnt well understood.

Ibuprofen is sold under a variety of brand names, including:

• Advil
• Motrin
• Nuprin

Many combination drugs contain ibuprofen. These include medicines for cold and flu, sinus problems, and stomach upset. Other OTC NSAIDs include:

• aspirin
• naproxen

Others are available by prescription.

Approximately 5 percent of people with asthma are sensitive to NSAIDs. Most are adults.

Some people have asthma, aspirin intolerance, and nasal polyps. This is known as aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease . If you have ASA triad, NSAIDs can cause a severe, even life-threatening reaction.

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What Triggers An Asthma Attack

When a person has asthma, attacks can seem to come out of nowhere. One minute you’re feeling fine, the next you’re wheezing and gasping for breath. If you look closely, however, there’s always a reason for the attack.

If you have asthma, your airways are inflamed, which makes them ultrasensitive. Inflammation can cause airways to swell, hampering your breathing. More often than not, your asthma will be more noticeable when something additional disturbs your airways, which are already inflamed.

Unfortunately, triggers — agents that bring on an attack — are all around. Many different things, from viruses and dust mites to exercise and emotional distress, can set off an asthma attack. Even bacterial lung infections can trigger asthma attacks in children. Every case is different, however, and something that causes wheezing in one person may be completely harmless to another. Understanding your personal triggers is a crucial first step toward controlling your disease.

Here’s a look at the most common causes of asthma attacks.

Allergies

Many people with asthma also have allergies to pollen, dust mites, or other things in the air. When they inhale one of these offenders, the allergic reaction can set off an asthma attack. In fact, allergies are the most common cause of asthma attacks in teenagers and children over age two.

Some typical causes of allergy-related asthma attacks:

Irritants

Other common irritants:

Illness and infections

Medications

Trauma and emotions

Medicine For Parkinsons Disease

Doctors often prescribe a combination drug, levodopa and carbidopa , to treat Parkinsonâs. The extended-release capsule form of this drug can cause anxiety. Ask your doctor if another medication might be an option.

If your meds are causing you problems, ask your doctor about adjusting doses or switching drugs.

Advances in Psychiatric Treatment: âNeuropsychiatric effects of caffeine.â

Cochrane Database System Review: âPhenytoin versus valproate monotherapy for partial onset seizures and generalized onset tonic-clonic seizures.â

FDA: âMedicines in my Home: Caffeine and Your Body.â

International Journal of Child Health and Human Development: âAsthma and Mood Disorders.â

Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics: âCorticosteroid-related central nervous system side effects.â

Mayo Clinic: âAnxiety,â âMigraine,â âPrednisone and other corticosteroids.â

Parkinsonâs Disease Foundation: âPrescription Medications.â

Psychiatry : âReal-World Data on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Medication Side Effects.â

UpToDate: âTheophylline use in asthma.â

U.S. National Library of Medicine: âAlbuterol ,â âSalmeterol ,â âThyroid,â âPhenytoin.â

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Side Effects Of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen can cause a number of side effects. You should take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time needed to control your symptoms.

See the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for a full list of side effects.

Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

• nausea or vomiting
• indigestion or abdominal pain

Less common side effects include:

• headache or dizziness
• allergic reactions such as a rash
• worsening of asthma symptoms by causing narrowing of the airways
• kidney failure
• black stools and blood in your vomit this can indicate bleeding in your stomach

If you feel unwell after taking ibuprofen or have concerns, speak to your GP or pharmacist, or phone the NHS 24 111 service.

You can also report suspected side effects using the Yellow Card Scheme.

When To See A Doctor

Plan to talk to your doctor if youre using albuterol three or more days a week, or if you find that you go through an entire canister in one month.

Having to use your rescue inhaler more frequently can be a sign that your maintenance medication isnt managing your asthma well. Your doctor can work with you to adjust your treatment plan so you have to use your rescue inhaler less often.

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Side Effects Of Gel Mousse And Spray

Youre less likely to have side effects when you apply ibuprofen to your skin than with tablets, capsules and syrup because less gets into your body. However, you may still get the same side effects, especially if you use a lot on a large area of skin.

Applying ibuprofen to your skin can also cause your skin to become more sensitive than normal to sunlight.

These are not all the side effects of ibuprofen gel, mousse and spray. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Asthmatics With Nasal Polyps Should Avoid Nsaids Others Use With Caution

NSAID-induced bronchospasm should be suspected in any patient whose asthma control worsens on initiation of a NSAID. Patients with a history of asthma should be warned of this reaction and to seek medical help if symptoms worsen on initiation of a NSAID.

NSAIDs should be used with caution in the presence of asthma and avoided in asthmatics with nasal polyps. As it is difficult to identify at riskasthmatics, it would seem prudent to prescribe paracetamol instead of aspirin unless there are any specific contra-indications.

Patients should be reminded to read labels of over-the-counter medicines as some, such as cough/cold preparations, may contain aspirin. Ibuprofen, diclofenac and other NSAIDs are also available over-the-counter.

References

Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Cause Asthma Attacks

Ibuprofen May Cause Side Effects Tell Your Doctor If Any Of These Symptoms Are Severe Or Do Not Go Away:

• constipation

• confusion
• aggression

Ibuprofen may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .

Can Ibuprofen Cause A Heart Attack

You probably heard recently that new research has linked non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with an increased risk of a heart attack. Common over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen , and people promptly freaked out over the news. But before you do the same, know this: This isnt as bad as it sounds.

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If You Have Asthma Or Rhinitis Be Careful Taking Ibuprofen

NSAIDs can exacerbate symptoms of asthma or allergic rhinitis in about 10% of people with these conditions. Within 30 to 120 minutes of taking an NSAID such as ibuprofen, nasal congestion, a runny nose or shortness of breath may occur. Some people may experience a serious asthma attack, especially if they have aspirin-sensitive asthma.

If you have asthma, hay fever, or rhinitis, you should talk with your doctor before taking ibuprofen or other NSAIDs such as diclofenac , celecoxib , naproxen or aspirin.

Asthma: Will Ibuprofen Affect Me

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I have both asthma and arthritis. The arthritis is quite painful, but when I try to buy ibuprofen from a pharmacist, they refuse because I have asthma. I have taken ibuprofen many times with no problems. Should I avoid it?

Dr Fred Kavalier answers your health question:

About 20 per cent of adults with asthma have what is called aspirin induced asthma. They develop potentially severe asthma symptoms if they take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen. Asthmatics who are sensitive to aspirin and NSAIDs often have nasal polyps, an allergic skin rash called urticaria, and chronic nasal allergies. If you have ever had an allergic or asthmatic reaction to these drugs, you should never take them again. But if you are over 40 and have taken ibuprofen with no problems, the risk in taking it again is very small. As a rule, asthmatics should use paracetamol. If you really need ibuprofen, be aware of any effect it has on your asthma. If you ever feel it makes it worse, do not take it. All children, asthmatic or not, should avoid aspirin.

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