Patient's question:
Recently, I've been experiencing chest pain and tightness in my chest. The hospital examination suggested a respiratory disease, but the medication hasn't been very effective. Recently, my cough has worsened. Could you please explain the mechanism by which aspirin induces asthma?Doctor's answer:
Aspirin can trigger asthma, as it can act as an allergen. This allergen can produce specific antibodies, leading to airway inflammation, which may result in recurrent bronchospasm or severe pain, and trigger asthma attacks. To treat aspirin-induced asthma, the first step is to avoid the use of aspirin. Antiallergic drugs can be used to treat asthma, and corticosteroids or drugs that suppress the release of inflammatory mediators can be administered. Symptomatic treatment may involve the use of bronchodilator medications.