Acetaminophen Worsens Asthma Symptoms

Acetaminophen has been linked to worsen asthma symptoms in children and adults. Consumption of acetaminophen could also lead to new asthma cases. Researcher John T. McBride, M.D., from the Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown found that that the risk of developing asthma rose by 60% in 6-7years old children and by 40% in 13-14year old teenagers who had taken the medicine at least once a year but less than once a month. This risk was more than tripled in children and doubled in teenagers who took it at least once a month.

Though the studies do not absolutely prove that acetaminophen is the direct cause of asthma or its exacerbation, its use should be restricted in people with asthma or who are at risk of asthma, until the drug's safety is established.

The study has been published in the journal Pediatrics.

Source-Medindia