Asthma is among the most common ED diagnoses. Asthma exacerbations are gene
rally treated by medications that cause bronchodilation and those that redu
ce airway inflammation. The effect of alcohol on asthma has been studied by
investigators with mixed results. Some studies have reported that alcohol
has a beneficial effect on asthma; others report worsening of symptoms. It
has been suggested in some quarters that additives in alcoholic drinks caus
e bronchoconstriction and that pure ethanol has a salutary effect on asthma
. If further research bears out this supposition, ethanol may play a limite
d therapeutic role in asthma that is refractory to other therapy. Emergency
physicians should counsel asthmatic patients to avoid alcoholic beverages
because they may cause an exacerbation of asthma. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B
. Saunders Company.