The Drug-Induced Respiratory Disease Website

(Fr: bronchospasme, asthme). Including bronchospasm, bronchoconstriction, de novo subacute asthma, asthma attack and deterioration or exacerbation of preexisting/underlying asthma. Can be sudden and very severe, causing asphyxia followed by irreversible hypoxic brain damage (see also under IVf). NSAIDs, ß-blockers and antibiotics are the main causal agents. Patients with a background of atopy or asthma are particularly at risk. In a few individuals, the asthma may persist despite cessation of exposure (PMID 45308). Healthcare workers can be involved when handling drugs (PMID 3612323). Workers in the drug-manufacturing (e.g. antibiotics) industry can develop bronchospasm or asthma as a manifestation of drug-induced occupational disease (PMID 16436155, 21603168, 30075340)