You may have seen the reports about a new study linking acetaminophen to asthma and eczema in kids. Researchers at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand examined data on 300,000 children ages 13 and 14 from 50 different countries. They found that taking acetaminophen frequently -- at least once a month -- more than doubled the risk of developing asthma. Acetaminophen was also associated with greater rates of eczema. Previous studies have also suggested a link between acetaminophen use in younger kids and an increased risk of asthma.
So how much should parents worry about using this drug the next time their child has a fever or needs a pain-relieving medication? Doctors note that parents should talk to their pediatrician about any concerns. Parents should also keep in mind that research so far has shown a link, not a cause and effect, which means more studies need to be done before we can know what role acetaminophen plays, if any, in asthma and eczema.
In the meantime, parents can try to refrain from using too much acetaminophen and use it only when necessary (hold off for minor aches and pains; consider it for high fevers).