Some sthma patients should be careful with aspirin as it increases their risk of having an asthma attack. The risk is greater than experts had previously thought. 20% of asthma patients are at risk of a severe attack after taking aspirin.

According to the research, which is published in the British Medical Journal, a large number asthma patients is not aware of this risk. They say ibuprofen can cause an attack as well (all other NSAIDs - non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in fact).

According to the researchers, from the UK and Australia, 21% of adults and 5% of kids have a reaction to asthma. The reaction affects their airways.

As more and more patients buy their painkillers over-the-counter it is important to get this message to all asthmatic patients.

The researchers asked that manufacturers place warnings on their labels.

Paracetamol seems to be a better option for asthmatics as only 7% of patients (with asthma) seem to be sensitive to it.

The National Asthma Campaign (UK) said asthmatics should read the small print when buying painkillers and such products as cold relievers. They also added that most people do not have a reaction to aspririn.