For an asthma patient, it is always important to avoid any stimuli that may trigger asthma attacks. This includes sensitivity to certain drugs or medications, including the humble aspirin. Aspirin has been known to worsen asthma symptoms in asthma patients. 10% to 20% of people with asthma are sensitive to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Ibuprofen. Sometimes referred to as ‘aspirin-induced asthma’, this condition can be severe and life threatening.

According to research, aspirin, and some other painkillers, cause the body to produce an excess of a certain chemical that can irritate the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes. This can result in the contraction of the airways, and hence obstructing the airflow and developing asthma symptoms, including wheezing, persistent coughing and shortness of breath. Therefore it is usually advised that aspirin-sensitive asthma patients avoid the use of such painkillers. However, painkillers with acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, are considered safe for asthma patients with aspirin-sensitivity.

These are conditions triggered by aspirin in patients with asthma. Surprisingly though, recent study of the effect of aspirin in people without asthma has uncovered that daily doses of aspirin might prevent the development of asthma! The reasons are not clear, nor are there exact evidences that support the study. Nevertheless, aspirin doses should not be considered for the only purpose of preventing asthma.