These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Asthma
Question: Is there a test to determine if an asthmatic is allergic to aspirin?
Answer:There is a test which can be performed to determine if one is allergic to asprin. This classically occurs in the triad of nasal polyps, asthma and aspirin sensitivity. This sensitivity can also be to any of the drugs commonly called non-steroidal anti-inflamatories(NSAIDS). A board certified allergist can perform this test. In common practice however, the test is rarely performed due to the difficulty and cost of the test.
Vasotec
Question: For 15 years, I have used a broncodilator (4-6 puffs a day) and
steroid (2 puffs a day) for asthma. I recently had a stroke and was put on Vasotec (20mg per day) for hypertension. I also lost weight and reduced my salt intake. As a side effect, I no longer use the steroid spray, and only need the broncodilator about 1 puff per WEEK. Is Vasotec a cure for asthma?
Answer:Vasotec is not a treatment or a cure for asthma. However, there are some patients who have mild heart failure and wheeze or cough. This is referred to as cardiac asthma. Without knowing your previous cardiac function it is difficult to assess this. Also, some patients will continually aspirate small amounts of food and acid while asleep-as a cause for asthma. A time tested remedy for this type of asthma trigger is losing weight. Possibly, your losing weight has reduced your nocturnal aspiration and the asthma trigger.
