Another study is pointing a finger at acetaminophen use and asthma. (Acetaminophen is often known by the biggest brand name, Tylenol.)

Just earlier this fall, researchers found a link between acetaminophen and asthma risk for adults who take the medication weekly. In addition, another Canadian study showed that children using acetaminophen in their first year increased their asthma risk by as much as 46 per cent. In addition, children were at increased allergy risk.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia took another look at acetaminophen and reviewed 19 previous studies, looking for a link between the common pain killer and fever reducer and asthma risk. More than 425,000 study participants were involved in aggregate. The analysis revealed that there is a greater risk among adult acetaminophen users, as well as children who used acetaminophen in the year before an asthma diagnosis. Perhaps more alarmingly, the review showed that infant using the common medication in the first year of life had a greater risk of asthma.

In North America, acetaminophen is the preferred pain and fever control for infants.

Researchers also found that acetaminophen use in pregnancy was associated with a slightly higher risk of asthma in their children.

The study was published in CHEST, the journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

While no experts are coming out against the use of acetaminophen, these kinds of studies indicate that Tylenol may not be the safe and harmless fever reducer we’ve always believed it to be.

For parents who are concerned, there are alternatives. You can get infant and children’s ibuprofen, which will also allow you to reduce pain and fever. The most common brand names of this fever and pain medication are Advil or Motrin. You can also consider non-drug alternatives for reducing fever: warm to cool baths, cold compresses, keep rooms cool and encourage plenty of hydration.

Source: Nurse