Ibuprofen sensitivity low in asthma

The prevalence of sensitivity to ibuprofen in children with asthma is low, say US investigators, but health professionals should still be aware of the possibility ( J Pediatr 2005;147:233-8 ).

They carried out provocation tests in 100 children aged 6 - 18 who had mild to moderate asthma but who were not known to be sensitive to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Under double-blind conditions, the children were randomised to take placebo or a single 10 mg/kg dose of ibuprofen and the test was repeated after 2 - 7 days with the alternative agent.

Two children developed bronchospasm (decrease in FEV 1 of 25 and 35 percent) after taking ibuprofen, with shortness of breath and wheezing; symptoms and lung function returned to normal after taking salbutamol. Neither was known to have taken ibuprofen previously, though the mother of one was sensitive to aspirin. Two other children developed a milder decrease in lung function (decrease in FEV 1 of 15 percent) but remained asymptomatic.

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