What medications should asthmatics be careful about taking?
Aspirin can trigger an asthma attack in approximately one in five asthmatics. This is especially common in those asthmatics who also have nasal polyps. As acetominophen (Tylenol) doesn’t have this effect, it may be used as an alternative for anyone who suspects that they might have aspirin sensitivity. Cough medicines should also be treated with caution. In general, suppressing a productive cough (one which is bringing up mucus) is not a good idea, since the mucus can obstruct the airways and also irritate them further. Also, in _Asthma: Stop Suffering, Start Living_, the authors caution that “prescription cough suppressants (including those with codeine) are potentially dangerous for asthmatics. They may make you sleepy and reduce your breathing effort. They may also dry out your secretions, making mucus harder to raise.” Antihistamines, however, should not pose a problem for most asthmatics, in spite of many warning labels. In _Children with Asthma_, Dr. Plaut states, “Most asthma ex
