New research shows that acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be associated with a bolstered risk of asthma and wheezing in both children and adults.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis of 19 clinical studies (total subjects = 425,140).

Findings showed that using acetaminophen increased the risk of asthma by 37%.

Results also revealed a slight increase in the risk of asthma and wheezing with prenatal use of acetaminophen by mothers. Researchers speculate that acetaminophen’s lack of inhibition of cyclooxygenase, the key enzyme involved in the inflammatory response of asthma, may be one explanation for the potential link.

Chest – 2009;136:1316-23.
www.chestjournal.org