Newly published research suggests that as much as 7 percent of childhood asthma may be linked to paracetamol, an active ingredient in widely used over-the-counter pain medications containing acetaminophen, Tylenol among them.
by Dr. James Bogash
It is no secret that taking medications during pregnancy is risky. The dangers of pain relievers to a developing baby are well known. For years, the most widely recommended over-the-counter pain reliever has been Tylenol®.
Newly published research suggests that as much as 7 percent of childhood asthma may be linked to paracetamol, an active ingredient in widely used over-the-counter pain medications containing acetaminophen, Tylenol among them. Since 2002, paracetamol has been suspected as a possible cause of damage to the developing lungs and immune system of the fetus.
One of the foremost reasons pregnant women reach for a painkiller is to relieve low back pain, which affects as many as 80 percent of women during their pregnancies. As a result, many pregnant women with back and other pains are told to take Tylenol as a safe alternative to aspirin.
In the March 2007 issue of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, research was cited that has again found paracetamol to increase the risk of asthma. This newly published research, combined with several previous studies, confirms that paracetamol use during pregnancy and in the first six months of a newborn’s life can increase the risk of childhood asthma.
There is, however, a truly safe alternative for many pregnancy pains. One approach women uses a variety of soft-tissue techniques to eliminate knots and loosen tight muscles. Coupled with chiropractic manipulation, it can provide safe, effective treatment of pain during pregnancy.
Dr. James Bogash is a chiropractic physician who takes a global approach to patient care by examining the role of diet, lifestyle, herbs and vitamins in healthcare. www.lifecarechiropractic.com or 480-839-2273.
Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 26, Number 2, April/May 2007.
October 1, 2012
Asthma, Back pain, Bodywork, Chiropractic, Pain, Pregnancy