Asthma Relieved by Acetylsalicylic Acid and Nonsteroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

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Abstract
Two typical asthmatic cases in whom the administration of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) resulted in bronchodilatation are reported. ASA (500 mg) was administered i.v. to one patient and the other was treated with ASA, indomethacin, noramidopyrine i.v. and acetaminophen orally during a bronchospastic attack. FEV1 [forced expiratory volume in 1 s] and SRAW [specific airway resistance] were measured before and after during administration. The test was repeated with placebo (physiological saline). FEV1 increased rapidly after ASA and NSAID administration. Although the pathogenesis of asthma reversed by aspirin is not entirely clear, an alteration of sensitivity of the cyclooxygenase enzyme due to the inhibitory action of ASA and NSAID is suggested.