Bronchial Asthma Induced by Indomethacin

Abstract

The occurrence of acute bronchial asthma following ingestion of indomethacin is described in a 62 year old white male with "intrinsic" asthma, nasal polyps, and aspirin sensitivity. Single-blind oral challenge with indomethacin using a placebo control, further suggested an association between indomethacin ingestion and the precipitation of an acute asthmatic attack as measured by subjective wheezing, physical examination and pulmonary function studies. Skin tests and in vitro histamine release studies with indomethacin were negative. The frequency with which indomethacin can precipitate acute asthma in asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients, the pathophysiolo-gic mechanism involved, and the significance of the co-existence of aspirin sensitivity and indomethacin-sensitivity in this patient are all unknown. It is recommended that physicians remain alert to the possible precipitation of bronchial asthma in patients receiving indomethacin, and that particular caution be used when administering the drug to patients with pre-existing bronchial asthma and aspirin sensitivity.