Does the use of Tylenol in teens increase their chances of getting asthma? According to a recent study conducted by Professor Richard Beasley an epidemiologist and director of the medical research institute of Wellington, in New Zealand, teens using Tylenol are at a higher risk of developing asthma as well as eczema and other allergic nasal conditions compared to those teens who are not taking them. Based on the results of his study, approximately 43% of teens who use Tylenol at least once per year develop asthma, and this percentage increases by 2.5 if the medication is taken at least once in every month.
What is Tylenol anyway? And why do teens use them? Tylenol is a drug, generically known as acetaminophen, invented during the 1950’s by Dr. James Roth, an American gastroenterologist. Tylenol was primarily created as a safe substitute for Aspirin since this drug has fewer side effects compared to the latter that causes bleeding tendencies and increases the risk of acquiring Reye’s syndrome a fatal condition that affects the body’s major organs most especially the brain and liver. This drug is used to relieve pain, minimize fever, and relieve discomforts and symptoms of colds, cough and allergies. Tylenol is an over the counter drug, it is widely available anywhere, and a doctor’s prescription isn’t required to purchase this. Popular brand names include Motrin, Zyrtec, Bendryl and Tylenol plus, manufacturers create several preparations for this drug like tablets, soft gel capsules, and liquid suspensions depending on the its indication. In some cases Tylenol is combined with codeine and other narcotics to make it a more potent analgesic and pain reliever.
Tylenol has potential risks and side effects. Excessive intake causes paracetamol toxicity which damages the liver leading to acute or chronic liver failure. An overdose of this drug can also cause poisoning, which is very fatal. In the United States; Tylenol is responsible for 39% of all drug-related acute liver failure cases. Almost half of all the other drugs combined. The danger of excessive intake of this drug not only affects adults but also pregnant women, children and teens. As mentioned the intake of this drug place children and teens at a higher risk of developing asthma. Although not yet proven, significant findings show that since the invention of this drug more than 50 years ago, the incidence of asthma has been slowly increasing. Should it be a coincidence or not, this information needs to be closely looked at and researched further.
Like in any other drug, Tylenol should be taken with precaution most especially in children and teens. When taking Tylenol, be a responsible drug user, read the drug literature, look for more information and other resources; and if the situation calls for it, seek your doctor’s advice. It can not be stressed enough how important it is for people to be extra careful when taking this drug, it’s strongly advised for patients to take the drug as directed. It is always better to be safe now rather than to be sorry in the future, when nothing can be done.
