Acetaminophen Use Linked to Increased Risk of Asthma and Eczema in Adolescents

Strategic Insights -

Research findings published online by the American Thoracic Society's Web site ahead of the print edition of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine suggest that even moderate use of acetaminophen in adolescents may double the risk of asthma compared to non-users. The study, conducted as part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) program, administered written and video questionnaires to over 300,000 13- and 14-year-old children in 113 centers worldwide. The results indicate a significant association between acetaminophen use and increased risk of asthma, eczema, and rhinoconjunctivitis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that moderate use of acetaminophen (at least once in the last year) was associated with a 43% higher risk of asthma compared to non-users.
  • High users of acetaminophen (at least once a month) had 2.51 times the risk of asthma compared to non-users.
  • The risk of rhinoconjunctivitis was 38% higher for moderate users and 2.39 times as great for high users as compared to non-users.
  • The risk of eczema was 31% higher for moderate users and 99% higher for high users as compared to non-users.
  • The study's population attributable risks estimated that eliminating the risk factor of acetaminophen use could avoid around 40% of asthma cases in adolescents.
  • Dr. Richard Beasley, the study's first author, emphasized the need for randomized controlled trials to investigate the relationship between acetaminophen use and asthma further.
  • Acetaminophen may have a systemic inflammatory effect, possibly increasing oxygen stress and leading to enhanced TH2 allergic immune responses.

Statistics:

  • An estimated 300,000 13- and 14-year-old children from 113 centers worldwide participated in the study.
  • The study found a significant association between acetaminophen use and increased risk of asthma (43% higher for moderate users and 2.51 times higher for high users).
  • The risk of rhinoconjunctivitis was 38% higher for moderate users and 2.39 times as great for high users as compared to non-users.
  • The risk of eczema was 31% higher for moderate users and 99% higher for high users as compared to non-users.
  • The study estimated that eliminating the risk factor of acetaminophen use could avoid around 40% of asthma cases in adolescents.

Sources:

  • "Research links acetaminophen to increased asthma and eczema risk in adolescents" (American Thoracic Society)
  • Beasley, R. et al. (online in advance of print edition of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)
  • Beasley, R. et al. (online in advance of print edition of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)
  • Clinical Trials Week editors (Clinical Trials Week, 2010)