A popular fever reducer could be the link between an increase in allergy symptoms among children, though more research is required.
In a recent story, the U.K.'s Daily Mail discussed the results of a study conducted in Spain that explored the potential link between a popular fever reducer and an increase in asthma symptoms among children over the past several decades.
The drug in question, paracetamol, has become one of the most widely used pain relievers prescribed by doctors both stateside and abroad. As the popularity of paracetamol has taken off, scientists noted that the prevalence of asthma and allergy symptoms in children who used the drug increased as well.
"All the asthma symptoms analyzed increased significantly with paracetamol consumption," the researchers wrote in their study published in the European Journal of Public Health. "The effects appear stronger in 6- to 7-year-old children, where the taking of paracetamol at least once a month in the last year is associated with a five times more probability of having asthma symptoms, compared with those children who had never taken paracetamol."
However, despite these findings, the medical professionals on staff at the Daily Mail warn against parents jumping to conclusions and not giving children this drug, as the doctors themselves who conducted the study explained that further connections needed to be drawn to definitively link the condition with the use of paracetamol.
Instead, the best way for parents to guard their children against an onslaught of allergy symptoms is to improve the quality of the air that they breathe on a regular basis. If you have a child suffering from respiratory troubles, peruse our selection to find the best air purifier for asthma to use in your home.