Be aware of the following side effects of NSAID for asthma

NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is a pain reliever drug for a million people. Some of the types you may be familiar with are ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. These medications are generally effective for treating mild to moderate fever and pain. Even though it has a myriad of functions, it turns out that not everyone is allowed to take this NSAID drug, especially people who have asthma. What is the reason?

NSAID side effects for people with asthma

Some of the common side effects of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are stomach upset, nausea, and heartburn (heartburn). Any of these symptoms can happen to anyone.

Even so, NSAIDs — especially ibuprofen and aspirin — can cause special side effects, especially for people with asthma.

According to information from the Specialist Pharmacy Service website, the incidence of recurrent asthma due to aspirin consumption in adult asthma patients is around 10 percent. Asthma patients who react to aspirin may also experience similar reactions to other NSAIDs.

NSAIDs have the potential to trigger allergies in people with asthma

The effect of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) drugs on asthmatics can exacerbate their symptoms and make asthma attacks more difficult to control.

Why did it happen? According to the journal Allergy , a condition known as N-ERD (NSAIDs exacerbated respiratory disease) This is because the body of people with asthma experiences a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction. In other words, this NSAID drug triggers an allergic reaction in people with asthma.

This is because NSAIDs have the potential to inhibit prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins themselves are substances that regulate inflammatory processes (inflammation) in the body.

When prostaglandin production is inhibited, the walls of the respiratory tract will attract white blood cells. This buildup of white blood cells causes the release of chemicals that cause allergic reactions, such as leukotrienes, histamine, and tryptase.

Substances such as leukotriene and histamine then cause the muscles and bronchial tubes (breathing) to swell. As a result, the airways narrow and asthma symptoms appear.

However, it is not certain why the accumulation of white blood cells occurs on the walls of the respiratory tract in people with asthma.

Certain asthma medications such as zafirlukast (Accolate), montelukast (Singulair), and zileutone (Zyflo) are also known to work to block leukotrienes. That is why, the use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin can interact with your asthma medication. This of course can affect the performance of your asthma medication.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states allergy symptoms that may result from NSAIDs, namely:

• hives and rash
• nasal polyps (swelling of the nose)
• swelling of the face
• hard to breathe
• chronic nasal allergy
• cough
• cold

If you experience an allergic reaction, stop taking the drug immediately. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can progress to severe anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock can result in death if not treated immediately.

Who is prone to experiencing NSAID allergies?

People in their 20s and 30s who have asthma are most susceptible to allergic reactions to NSAIDs. In addition, the risk of NSAID allergy is greater in women than men.

NSAIDs are generally safe to drink and consume for children with asthma, unless they have a history of allergies.

What are the names of pain relievers that contain NSAIDs?

Ibuprofen is the generic name of the most common NSAID pain reliever under various brand names. For asthma sufferers, make sure you also avoid taking ibuprofen drugs under the following brands:

• Advil
• Genpril
• Midol IB
• Motrin IB
• Proprinal
• Nuprin
• Nurofen
• Bodrex EXTRA
• Dolofen-F
• Limasip
• Proris

In addition, there are also pain relievers that contain other types of NSAIDs that people with asthma should be aware of, namely:

• Aspirin (Anacin, Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, EC-Naprosyn, Flanax, Midol Extended Relief, Naprelan 375, Naprosyn).

Make sure you read the label carefully before taking certain medications. For asthma patients, always consult any medication that you are taking with your doctor so that it can be adjusted to the asthma treatment therapy that you are currently undergoing.

NSAID replacement drugs for people with asthma

NSAID class drugs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are not recommended for people with asthma. For that, choose another type of pain reliever. Most people with asthma are allowed to consume it acetaminophen (paracetamol) to treat fever or aches and pains.

Your doctor can tell you other painkillers that are safe without side effects for your body. However, for chronic pain doctors will usually provide alternative solutions based on the cause.

In addition, here are some natural ways to relieve pain that you can practice in addition to using drugs:

• Apply an ice cube to relieve swelling and pain due to bruises, sprains / sprains.
• Exercises and stretches, help relieve discomfort and pain in muscles and arthritis.
• Relaxation techniques, including yoga and meditation are useful for reducing pain due to stress such as headaches.
• Acupuncture.
• Lifestyle changes, such as proper diet, regular exercise, reducing alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.