Paracetamol linked to childhood asthma [news]
Results from an international study suggest the increasing use of paracetamol by children may have contributed to the rising prevalence of childhood asthma.
But an expert said today the findings didn't constitute a reason to stop using the drug in childhood.
Professor Innes Asher, Auckland-based chairman of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) committee, said in a statement paracetamol was still the preferred drug to relieve pain and fever in children and should be used in preference to aspirin, and drugs like ibuprofen, because of its safety profile.
However, ISAAC's finding suggested paracetamol's frequent use should be avoided where possible.
