damiatan

4 years

I am an asthmatic patient for 5 years

Hello doctor, I am an asthmatic patient for 5 years now and I heard from one of my friends that I cannot take any fever medication as I have an asthma. Is it true?

Hi, thank you for your question. Many patients with asthma also have sensitivity to certain medications, which can lead to an asthma attack. there are few common medications which are known to trigger asthma symptoms. These medications are aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (painkillers) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, beta blockers (used to treat heart conditions, high blood pressure, migraine headache), ACE inhibitors (used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure).

They are sold under many brand names in the market, so seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before taking these medications. Common medications used to treat fever include acetaminophen (paracetamol), NSAIDS and aspirin.

Paracetamol is one of the safer medications for asthmatic patients. You do not have to worry about having severe asthma attacks, which may be seen with usage of NSAIDS or aspirin. You need to know what are the medications that can trigger or worsen your asthma. You do not have to stop the usage of these medications unless you know for sure that they trigger asthma.

If they have never triggered symptoms of asthma, you should still be extra careful because you can develop an asthma attack any time. Symptoms of an asthma attack include worsening cough, wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness. Let your doctor know that you have asthma, so that they are more careful when prescribing medications for you.

If you developed asthma attack after taking any of these medications, seek medical attention immediately. In the meantime, sit upright, take deep breaths and remain calm. Take a puff of the reliever inhaler (normally blue in colour) every 30-60 seconds. The maximum dosage of reliever inhaler is 10 puffs.

Please click on this link (DoctorOnCall) to talk to us privately online and discuss further about your inquiries. Thank you.

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