Aspirin triggers bad reactions in some asthma patients

One in five adults with asthma are at risk for a potentially life-threatening reaction to aspirin and other painkillers, according to a review of asthma research published in last week's British Medical Journal. The researchers, who set out to quantify the adverse reactions of asthma patients to painkillers, found 21 percent of adults and 5 percent of children with asthma had the aspirin sensitivity, which is more frequent than previously thought. They recommended that all bottles of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, include a warning label addressed to asthmatics. Paracetamol is a good alternative painkiller for most people with high sensitivity, the British and Australian researchers said.