Aspirin, Menstruation, Genetic Mutations Linked to Severe Asthma Attacks

Among people who suffer asthma attacks, premenstrual women and patients whose attack was triggered by aspirin are most likely to suffer severe attacks requiring intubation and/or admission to an intensive care unit, according to National Jewish pulmonologist Sally Wenzel, MD Wenzel presented her data at the American Thoracic Society's International Conference.

In a separate talk, Wenzel presented data linking mutations in the interleukin-4 receptor to severe asthma attacks requiring intubations. These mutations are more common among African Americans, who suffer asthma more frequently and severely than Caucasians. Wenzel believes there may also be a link between these mutations and both pre-menstrual asthma, and aspirin-sensitive asthma.