Aspirin, Cough, and What You Can Do

Yes, aspirin can be linked to cough in some people, most often through airway reactions rather than a simple “minor side effect.” This tends to happen in those with asthma or a sensitivity to aspirin and related pain-relievers (NSAIDs). ^[1] In such cases, symptoms can include cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, and facial swelling, and may appear within minutes to hours after taking the medicine. ^[1]

How aspirin can cause cough

• Allergy or sensitivity to aspirin/NSAIDs: Some individuals react to aspirin with respiratory symptoms, including cough and wheeze, due to airway narrowing (bronchospasm). ^[1] This pattern is commonly referred to as aspirin sensitivity and can overlap with conditions like aspirin‑exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) in people with asthma. [PM15] In asthma, cough can be a key symptom when the airways are irritated or constricted, and particular subtypes (like cough‑variant asthma) present mainly with a nonproductive cough. [PM15]
• Serious reaction signs: If you develop trouble breathing or hoarseness after aspirin, that can signal a serious reaction needing urgent attention. ^[2] Respiratory symptoms may escalate to severe bronchospasm, and these reactions have been associated with significant risk in aspirin‑sensitive asthma. ^[3]

Who is at higher risk

• People with asthma: Aspirin and other NSAIDs can provoke bronchospasm (airway tightening) in aspirin‑sensitive asthma, sometimes severely. ^[3]
• Those with known NSAID sensitivity: Individuals who react to ibuprofen or naproxen often have cross‑reactivity and may react to aspirin with similar respiratory symptoms. ^[3]
• Combination cold/cough products: Some over‑the‑counter cough and cold medicines include aspirin; always check labels if you have had respiratory reactions. ^[4]

What symptoms should prompt urgent care

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing after taking aspirin. ^[2]
• Hoarseness or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. ^[2]
• Rapid breathing or a fast heartbeat accompanying breathing symptoms. ^[2]

If any of the above occur, seek emergency help immediately, as these can signal a severe reaction. ^[2]

How to cope with aspirin‑related cough

• Stop aspirin and avoid similar NSAIDs until you speak with a clinician, especially if you’ve noticed cough, wheeze, or breathing trouble after doses. ^[3]
• Discuss safer alternatives for pain/fever with your clinician; many people with aspirin sensitivity can use non‑NSAID options under guidance. Switching away from the triggering drug is the primary strategy when a medication is causing cough. ^[5]
• Asthma‑focused management: If you have asthma and develop cough after aspirin, your clinician may adjust inhaled therapies (like corticosteroids) to calm airway inflammation and reduce cough. [PM16]
• Label checks: Avoid combination cough/cold products that contain aspirin, as they can inadvertently trigger symptoms. ^[4]
• Allergy and sensitivity evaluation: If reactions recur, consider a medical evaluation for aspirin/NSAID sensitivity; specialist care can confirm the pattern and discuss options such as desensitization in selected cases.

When aspirin is generally not the cause

A simple, dry cough without other symptoms may be due to viral infections, postnasal drip, reflux, or asthma itself, rather than aspirin. In these cases, clinicians typically treat the underlying condition (for example, allergy treatment for postnasal drip or inhaled therapies for asthma). ^{[6] [5]}

Practical safety tips

• Track timing: Note when the cough starts relative to aspirin intake; minutes to hours after dosing suggests a possible sensitivity reaction. ^[1]
• Avoid triggers: If you’ve had breathing symptoms with aspirin, avoid related NSAIDs unless a clinician advises otherwise, due to cross‑reactivity. ^[3]
• Have an action plan: Those with asthma should keep rescue inhalers available and follow their asthma action plan if cough and wheeze appear after medication exposures. [PM16]
• Seek guidance for persistent cough: If cough lasts longer than a few weeks or interferes with sleep or breathing, see a clinician for evaluation and tailored treatment. ^{[7] [8]}

Key takeaways

• Aspirin can cause cough most often in people with asthma or aspirin/NSAID sensitivity, and it may be accompanied by wheeze or breathing difficulty. ^[1]
• Serious breathing symptoms require urgent medical attention. ^[2]
• Avoid aspirin and related NSAIDs if you’ve had respiratory reactions and consult your clinician for safer alternatives and asthma‑focused care if needed. ^{[3] [5]} [PM16]