Paracetamol and asthma

[yaf_user681_26410]

So the research says there is now a possible link between paracetamol and asthma. Forgive me if I am wrong, but in my book that now means paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac. What's left for a simple headache?

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Got a link, Angela?

[yaf_user681_26410]

found it through the widget, unless I misunderstood it.

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Got it:

asthma.org.uk/news_media/ne...

The study suggests that there may be a three-fold risk of developing asthma if an adult takes paracetamol at least once a week.

I'd like to see the original data, but unfortunately the article doesn't give you that.

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For goodness sake, I can't take NSAIDs as I have a real reaction to them, codine etc is a no-no cos it reduces the drive to breathe, so I take paracetamol for pain relief it is really bad after a big splatt I get it IV please please please don't tell me I have to strike it from my tiny list of pain killing drugs.

Bex

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I remember a paper linking paracetamol use and asthma years ago when I was still a student - possibly in about 1998. I asked my then consultant, Prof Ayres (formally of the Brittle Asthma unit at Heartlands in Birmingham) and he was of the opinion that the paper demonstrated an association rather than causation. He pointed out that asthmatics probably use more painkillers than the general population, for musculoskeletal chest pain and so on; apparently there's even some evidence that asthmatics get more headaches than non-asthmatics. Also, because some asthmatics can't take NSAIDs, and others think that they can't (in fact, only 10% are NSAID sensitive), asthmatics are more likely to take paracetamol instead of NSAIDs, including women taking it for menstrual cramps. All of these things could help explain the apparent association between paracetamol use and asthma.

I suppose it needs more investigation to try to demonstrate causation, but I'm certainly not about to stop taking paracetamol when I've got a headache on the strength of this. Apart from anything else, as you say, Angie, there isn't a lot else one can take in the way of simple analgesia.

Em H

[KateMoss]

I think the Paracetamol issue has been going on for a few years now though with only tentative evidence. I Will pop back to the main website for a look - tried earlier but computer had a mini splat.

I take it at least once a week - was gobbling it down this AM cos had a stonking headache. I also use 4head most of the time for headaches.

Kate

[KateMoss]

Ooops great minds think alike, but yours in more detail LOL!

Kate

xxx

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I suppose researchers have to look at every single aspect of possible causation if they're ever going to understand asthma and find a cure.

Having had a quick look back EmH and Kate are indeed correct in that this has been rumbling around for about ten years now, and causation has never been proven - merely association. I certainly wouldn't say there is any where near enough evidence to say that taking paracetamol regularly causes asthma - all that has been noted so far is an association. Also bear in mind that asthma is common, and paracetamol is common - in fact it is many people's first choice of over-the-counter painkiller and used to be far more widely available than, say, ibuprofen.

There is no suggestion being made that paracetamol can trigger already-existent asthma, so no need to strike it from you list yet Bex - I'm not

Cathy

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Just a bump for Peter.

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Another bump for scottishmum.

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I don't touch any of those paracetamols.. I was told that aspirin is bad for asthmatics years ago, and I've never had the guts to try it!

I'm on Co-Drydomol as normal over-the-counter paracetemols don't work for me anymore. Co-Drydomol is slightly stronger and really works on my tough migraines! It probably isn't good for anyone.. and I only use them when absolutely needed. I used normal paracetemols for the tiniest pain and now I have to use these stronger tablets for everything now.

As with anything.. the more you use it, your body becomes dependant on it, and so therefore can sometimes stop working. Hence why you might need something stronger.

Just a suggestion there, as no one had mentioned it!