Medications That Aggravate Asthma Symptoms

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full story at: http://www.aolhealth.com/condition-center/asthma/medication-asthma-attack#hl2?ncid=webmailMedications That Aggravate Asthma SymptomsBy e van der Leuen

Over the years, there has been much confusion about which medications exacerbate asthma, a chronic condition in which the lungs react to stimuli by becoming inflamed. “There are myths that have been passed on for generations that have been completely wrong,†says Dr. M. Rubin, chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. “Anything that you name can, in extremely rare circumstances, cause or aggravate asthma, but it’s so rare that we don’t talk about them.â€

In fact, there are only four classifications of medications that are truly likely to cause or worsen asthma: aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Aspirin is used for everyday aches and pains, to reduce fever and as an anti-inflammatory medication. For those with a propensity to heart problems, low daily doses of aspirin can help prevent heart attacks, strokes and blood clot formation. But aspirin is prone to exacerbating what doctors know as the aspirin triad: nasal polyps, sinusitis and asthma.In the case of asthma, aspirin can interfere with the metabolism of certain chemicals that protect against an attack. If you’re prone to asthma or suspect that after taking aspirin your airways tighten, switch to acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

“If you have no reactions to aspirin you take for heart problems, there’s no need to switch, but if you do, consult your specialist and change it up,†advises Rubin.Aspirin is technically grouped with NSAIDs, a class of drugs that can cause adverse reactions in those vulnerable to asthma. NSAIDs -- including Aleve and Motrin -- are pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.

“There is some cross-reaction between aspirin and NSAIDs,†warns Rubin. “Some people react to both; some only one.†Those with sensitivity to NSAIDs can also avoid complications by switching to other analgesics.

Beta blockers, such as Lopressor, are a class of pharmaceuticals used primarily for the management of high blood pressure and heart problems and can cause asthma attacks. These drugs tend to interfere with the nerve mechanisms that protect against asthma attacks.full story at: http://www.aolhealth.com/condition-center/asthma/medication-asthma-attack#hl2?ncid=webmail