Combining acetaminophen with alcohol increases the risk of kidney dysfunction even if the amount consumed is low, a new study reveals.
Combining acetaminophen with alcohol increases the risk of kidney dysfunction even if the amount consumed is low, a new study presented at the American Public Health Association's 141st Annual Meeting in Boston reveals. Results from the study indicated that neither taking a therapeutic amount of acetaminophen nor consuming a light to moderate amount of alcohol posed a particularly greater risk to an individual's kidneys. However, when taken in combination with one another, results showed a 123 percent increase in risk of kidney dysfunction.
"Pain is the most common symptom among the general public and is also most frequently self-treated with acetaminophens," noted Harrison Ndetan, lead researcher of the study. "Where this becomes a greater concern is among young adults, who have a higher prevalence of alcohol consumption. These findings highlight a serious concern among health professionals who deal frequently with pain patients, particularly those with mild pain who are more susceptible to consuming both."
The study analyzed data from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which captured responses from more than 10,000 participants. Survey questions inquired about alcohol consumption, use of acetaminophen and health conditions. Data was then applied to capture estimates for the general U.S. population affected by the factors of interest.
APHA's 141st Annual Meeting is themed "Think Global Act Local" and will focus on the creative and successful public health efforts from across the globe and discuss how public health workers can adapt these efforts to the communities they serve at home.
Session 3020: Prevention and public health in clinical practice
Featured presentation: Relationship of acetaminophen and alcohol usage to renal dysfunction: An opportunity for health promotion / education in chiropractic
Date: Monday, Nov. 4, 2013: 9:10 a.m. EST
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Ronald Rupert, MS, DC
Rani Jayswal, MPH
Information for media:
The APHA Annual Meeting Press Office will be located in Room 102A of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The full Annual Meeting program and abstracts are available online at www.apha.org/meetings/sessions/. Final programs with session locations, along with daily highlights and other press materials, will be available on site at the APHA Press Office. Please visit our website for additional Annual Meeting press information.
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Source-Newswise