Acetaminophen Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Acetaminophen, including details on paracetamol, pain relief, side effects, toxicity.

Acetaminophen and the risk of asthma: the epidemiologic and pathophysiologic evidence.

Eneli I, Sadri K, Camargo C, Barr RG

Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, B220 Clinical Center Bldg, East Lansing, MI 48824-1313, USA. Eneli@msu.edu

The prevalence of asthma has increased worldwide. The reasons for this rise remain unclear. Various studies have reported an association between acetaminophen, a widely used analgesic, and diagnosed asthma. In a prospective cohort study, the rate of newly diagnosed asthma was 63% higher among frequent acetaminophen users than nonusers in multivariate analyses. Studies of patients with asthma suggest that acetaminophen challenge can precipitate a decline in FEV(1) > 15% among sensitive individuals. Plausible mechanisms to explain this association include depletion of pulmonary glutathione and oxidative stress. This article reviews the existing literature and evaluates the epidemiologic and pathophysiologic evidence underlying a possible link between acetaminophen and asthma.

Published 11 February 2005 in Chest, 127(2): 604-12.
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