Medications
There are a number of medications available that may aggravate asthma symptoms. These include 'over the counter' medicines (that is without prescription) and those available only with a doctor's prescription.
Medications that may aggravate asthma are mainly those containing aspirin, or aspirin-like substances and beta blockers. If you are uncertain about whether or not your asthma may be triggered by one of these medications, check with your doctor before taking a specific medication.
Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
This group of medications includes some common over-the-counter pain relievers and medications available on prescription.
Approximately 10 to 20% of people with asthma will experience worsening of their asthma if they take aspirin (also called acetyl salicylic acid) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs).
These asthma attacks may be severe and in some people can lead to a life threatening attack. People with known aspirin sensitivity must be very careful to avoid these medications, even though they may not have had a prior reaction to one of these medications in the past.
Beta blockers
One important group of medication that may worsen asthma is beta blockers. These medications may be used for problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, angina and migraine headache and the eye disease glaucoma.
Beta blockers come in two main forms
-
beta blocker tablets (prescribed for high blood pressure, heart problems)
-
eye drops (prescribed for glaucoma).
Remember that even beta-blockers in eye drops may make asthma worse, so be sure to tell your ophthalmologist that you have asthma.
ACE Inhibitors
Some medicines cause a troublesome cough as a side effect. The most common medicines to cause cough are ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart disease.
People with asthma should discuss the use of these medicines with their doctors, as a cough caused by the medicine may hide a general worsening of asthma symptoms. The cough may also make your asthma worse.
Tips to avoid medication triggers
Always read the information leaflet and any warning labels on all medicines. This includes medicines from the pharmacy, supermarket, health food shops and other sources.
Whenever consulting anyone about your health, make sure that you tell them you have asthma. It is important to always tell the doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are taking.
When prescribed new medications, check with your doctor and pharmacist to see whether they have an effect on asthma.
If you have asthma and other health conditions for which you take regular medications, it is advisable to get your medications reviewed by your pharmacist or your doctor.
Some people may be sensitive to the non-active ingredients added to medications (e.g. lactose, preservatives). In such cases, it is important to read the consumer medication information provided with the product to check the listed additives and ensure that you are not sensitive or allergic to any of these.