Ibuprofen and asthma?

[Pugdog]

I'm always reading how taking ibuprofen if you are asthmatic could be trouble! So far I've taken ibuprofen with no side effects, has anyone found it triggers an attack suddenly and anyone used ibuprofen topical gel for say aching back?

[Operanut72]

Hi Pugdog,

I avoid Ibruprofen and conversely aspirin because they both make me wheeze and whilst it's never caused an immediate attack, I've always felt very close to having one. Having said that your usage and mileage may vary.

I also avoid the gels as they've triggered a wheeze, now whether that's because I put my hand to my mouth without properly washing my hands IDK. But for me if I start wheezing it's a good idea to attempt to avoid exposure to the item.

That's not to say every asthmatic will have the same result. Your asthma is unique just like you. Hope all that helps.

[Hidden]

Hi I have fairly mild asthma and take ibuprofen with no problems. I guess we are all different. x

[risabel59]

I take Ibuprofen and Asprin, but try and limit how often I use them. My mother, who is now 90, suddenly became allergic to them in her early eighties. And I seem to have inherited most of her allergies.

[QuietChest]

Neither non steroidal drugs ( Brufen) or Aspirin recommended in asthma patients

[Wheezycat]

Interesting question! I know neither are recommended. Since less than a year it is clear my asthma is more of an issue than I thought it was (though I am fine now with more effective mend). In the past I have had not problems at all with ibuprofen, either with asthma or my stomach. Occasionally I have had quite an inflammation in my eye (episcleritis), it goes after some days but can be very uncomfortable. For that I have taken ibuprofen, which helped. I have now wondered what I would do if I got it again, or, indeed, an inflamed knee or something (has also happened to me). I am now avoiding ibuprofen, but what do people do for significant inflammations instead?

[starveycat]

I asked my doctor what pain killer I could use an he said could use paracetamol

[ChrissieMons]

Never bothered me. I know it affects some people, but luckily, I'm not one of them!

[Lorcas_15]

I have avoided aspirin and ibuprofen since realising that there might be contraindications for people with asthma. However, I read an article in the Guardian newspaper saying paracetamol is generally pretty useless as a pain reliever. When I got neck and shoulder pain recently I thought I must take something and tried Ibuprofen and it certainly helped the pain initially and I didn't experience any adverse effects. I think I read when I was researching Ibuprofen that it is not classed as unsuitable for people with asthma in Oz!

[Pugdog]

That's interesting especially he difference in oz. like you no side effects yet and definitely helps better with inflammation rather than paracetamol. Think will try the topical gel as seem ok so far with ibuprofen tablets. Thanks for feedback.

[Lizum]

Obviously check with your doctor but my experience is that I can take ibuprofen with no side effects. I've been prescribed naproxen which is stronger than ibuprofen and discussed my asthma at the time with my GP and that ibuprofen wasn't a problem and they were OK with me taking it.

[elanaoali]

Like you Lizum I can take a stronger painkiller called menaflamic acid for period pain and they shorten my period too. Lots of people are warned off taking ibuprofen because of asthma. Between me and my local GPs that I am okay taking this drug. I definitely think it down to you and your GP what he/she is good for you. If my asthma nurse said no then I wouldn't take them (20 years experience and what she does know is not worth writing on a postage stamp),

I did have a reaction to child's ibuprofen once it made me feel really unwell and I felt very faint nearly collapsing. That was when I was first diagnosed with asthma (then mild asthma 12 years ago).

Paracetamol blocks the pain messages getting to your brain. Ibuprofen is an anti inflammatory so will reduce any inflammation email e, g muscle pain. That's what my local pharmacist told me.

[Gareth57]

Hi, I used to have no effects from ibuprofen for several years, then suddenly started to get quite a severe reaction which lasted 4 hours until the drug had worked itself out my system, the same with aspirin when taken unknowingly

[Yatzy]

Hi. I was ok with ibuprofen until about nine years ago. I was taking it regularly for a shoulder injury when I noticed my asthma getting significantly worse. GP said stop the ibuprofen, and I did, and asthma settled. But toothache etc led me to take it again, thinking the asthma side effect would settle again, given time. Gradually it didn't and now I'm afraid to take it because asthma too temperamental these days and I get fierce effevtsy. In fact, about five years ago I felt as though I was constantly taking it, tho I wasn't, asthma was so bad and continuous. I researched ingredients and came across a known sensitivity to salicylate acid, one of its ingredients, which is also present to some degree in some foods and almost all perfumes. My asthma has become a bit easier to control now I'm aware of this main trigger, along with viruses, etc. Hope this example of my difficulties with ibuprofen helps shine a light!

[CathyFox]

I wasn't even aware that you were suppose to take it! Always have it for period pain as is the only thing that works for me.

[elanaoali in reply to CathyFox]

Really depends on person to person. If in doubt consulate your doctor.

[M-D-F]

I have used ibruprfen for many years without any problem, try it but monitor the situation

[Lumpyspaceprincess]

I'm 19 and I got diagonesed with asthma a year ago. Last night I had a really sore arm so I put on deep heat and had an ibuprofen tablet. Let's just say it didn't agree with me at all. I was up all night with belly pains, sickness, and bottom sickness, blocked and runny nose and my breathing was so bad my wheezing sounded like an orchestra. I took one a month or so ago for period pains and assumed the sickness was due to that. But there's no way I was that sick over a sore arm. Today I mentioned it to my doctor and they said if your an asthmatic you shouldn't take ibuprofen stick to paracetamol. Hope this helped.

[Will_smed]

Hi, just come across this post after I had two ibuprofen today to try ease my sinus issues. Now I've not been diagnosed with asthma but I have nasal polyps and do get a wheeze every so often due to a cough caused by my sinuses. Let's just say I won't be taking ibuprofen again. Ended up calling 999 and was in the hospital for 4 1/2 hours. Never felt so panicked in my life, could not get any air into my lungs and when the first responder got to me my blood oxygen levels were at 80%. Really shook me up but I'm feeling better now.