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Does Intake Of Ibuprofen Causes Asthma?

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Posted on Fri, 24 Jun 2016
Question: I have been experiencing a persistant congestion and wheezing for the past few months. I was diagnosed with mild asthma many years ago. I have no trouble breathing and have "good wind" on hikes and walks. I am an ex-smoker ( quit 30 + years ago). I take 400 mg of ibuprofin daily for arthritis pain. Could that be a side effect?
I had a chest ex-ray 18 months ago for a surgical clearance. No problem. My guess is it is the ibu or allergies. it is very annoying.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
About your symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I am sorry you are having an increase in what may be asthma related symptoms. I have asthma and allergies so I can relate to your symptoms.

In 10 - 20% of people with asthma, there can be a sensitivity to aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen where these medications produce symptoms of asthma. And it's also possible that your persistent congestion and wheezing are from year round allergies such as to molds, dust mites, etc.

I think it would be best for you to see an allergist. The allergist should do a spirometry (breathing) test which can show how much air you are moving, whether it is an asthma pattern, and he or she can look at your upper airways (nose, throat) to see if there are signs that are characteristic of allergies (boggy nasal mucosa, post nasal drainage in the throat). If the problem has been going on chronically, you might benefit from daily use of a long acting beta agonist inhaler, or a long acting anticholinergic inhaler. Not treating chronic asthma can lead to changes in the bronchi that can cause loss of breathing capacity in the future.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Does Intake Of Ibuprofen Causes Asthma?

Brief Answer: About your symptoms Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, I am sorry you are having an increase in what may be asthma related symptoms. I have asthma and allergies so I can relate to your symptoms. In 10 - 20% of people with asthma, there can be a sensitivity to aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen where these medications produce symptoms of asthma. And it's also possible that your persistent congestion and wheezing are from year round allergies such as to molds, dust mites, etc. I think it would be best for you to see an allergist. The allergist should do a spirometry (breathing) test which can show how much air you are moving, whether it is an asthma pattern, and he or she can look at your upper airways (nose, throat) to see if there are signs that are characteristic of allergies (boggy nasal mucosa, post nasal drainage in the throat). If the problem has been going on chronically, you might benefit from daily use of a long acting beta agonist inhaler, or a long acting anticholinergic inhaler. Not treating chronic asthma can lead to changes in the bronchi that can cause loss of breathing capacity in the future. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.