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Why NSAIDS Cause Bronchi Spasms In Some Asthma Patients?

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Posted on Sat, 21 Sep 2013
Twitter Sat, 21 Sep 2013 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 16 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on
Question : i am trying to figure out why nsaids cause bronchospasms in some asthma patients. from what i understand, they work as cox2 inhibitors and therefor decrease the inflammatory response from PGs and leukotrienes, which is what is wanted....so i don't get it
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
This is what I ve asked my pathology professor who wrote one of the best books about pathophysiology.
NSAID( such as aspirine and indomethacine) cause bronchospasm and precipitate asthma attack but only in sensitive patients. the exact mechanism isnt completely investigated,but it is considered that such medicines at low doses are much more affecting COX1 than COX2. In sensitive patients it will cause a decrease of PG and tromboxan but automatic release in cysteinyl-leukotriens which are important mediators of Asthma. So this would be like some allergic reaction where our enzymes react opposite to what is expected by increasing leukotriens,not decreasing it.
WIsh you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

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Practicing since :2008

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Why NSAIDS Cause Bronchi Spasms In Some Asthma Patients?

Brief Answer:
Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
This is what I ve asked my pathology professor who wrote one of the best books about pathophysiology.
NSAID( such as aspirine and indomethacine) cause bronchospasm and precipitate asthma attack but only in sensitive patients. the exact mechanism isnt completely investigated,but it is considered that such medicines at low doses are much more affecting COX1 than COX2. In sensitive patients it will cause a decrease of PG and tromboxan but automatic release in cysteinyl-leukotriens which are important mediators of Asthma. So this would be like some allergic reaction where our enzymes react opposite to what is expected by increasing leukotriens,not decreasing it.
WIsh you good health.