The association between acetaminophen and asthma

Abstract

Purpose of review to examine literature evidence for the association between acetaminophen (paracetamol) use and development of rhinitis Recent findings Increased use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) as the favored antipyretic during pregnancy and infancy has been hypothesized to be a risk factor for the development of asthma. There is a paucity of well-designed birth cohort studies to examine paracetamol as a risk factor in the development of rhinitis. Confounding by antibiotic use, viral infections, and recall bias are problematic for many of the studies that are published. Summary Prospective birth cohorts need to dedicate adequate time and research personnel to adequately assess paracetamol exposure as a primary variable of interest rather than as an incidental exposure variable collected during routine questionnaires administration.