Use of acetaminophen in babies has been linked to asthma, according to a study reported by WebMD. It was also found that use of this common drug can up the risk of eczema and having a runny nose and itchy eyes. The international study involved over 200,000 children in 31 countries.
The study shows:
A 46% increased risk of asthma at ages 6-7 years in kids who got acetaminophen for fever in their first year of life.
A 48% increased risk of runny nose and red, itchy eyes at ages 6-7 in kids who got acetaminophen for fever in their first year of life.
A 35% increased risk of eczema at ages 6-7 in kids who got acetaminophen for fever in their first year of life.
A threefold higher risk of current asthma symptoms in 6- to 7-year-olds who took acetaminophen at least once a month compared with those who did not take the drug.
22% of severe childhood asthma is linked to acetaminophen use during the first year of life.
38% of severe childhood asthma is linked to acetaminophen use later in childhood.
Study leader Richard Beasley, DSc, a professor at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, recommends that parents give children acetaminophen (Tylenol) only when they have a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
While this study does not conclusively prove that acetaminophen use in infancy causes asthma, the link is so strong that a clinical study is urgently needed. Until then I advise parents to take it easy with the Tylenol!
Use of acetaminophen in babies has been linked to asthma, according to a study reported by WebMD. It was also found that use of this common drug can up the risk of eczema and having a runny nose and itchy eyes. The international study involved over 200,000 children in 31 countries.