Allergy epidemic in children linked to pain killer use

A large study reported in The Lancet medical journal in September 2008, found strong links between paracetamol use and the onset of allergies during childhood. These allergies included asthma, hay fever and eczema.

I was surprised that “medium use” of paracetamol was considered once a year – to me this is rare use, but even so, giving paracetamol only once a year increased the risk of asthma symptoms by a whopping 61 percent!

High rate of paracetamol use (considered once a month), increased asthma by 3.23 times.

Why does the use of this pain killer increase allergies in children?

I think it’s due to the fact that paracetamol is a known liver toxin and relatively small overdoses can cause serious liver damage.

I do not think it’s sensible, wise, safe or scientific to give a liver toxic pain killer to infants and children who may have a fever or be irritable or crying.

If we upset or overload the liver in children, then their immune system will become sensitised to potential allergens.

Why not return to more natural remedies that will not damage the liver?

Perhaps because medical doctors are no longer trained in their use?

Here are some things that are safe to use for irritable feverish children –

• Vitamin C
• Selenium drops
• Magnesium powder
• Electrolyte drinks
• Herbal extracts containing thyme, olive leaf and rosehips
• A tepid bath to sponge the child down
• A cooling fan
• A gentle massage

Of course the child must be examined by a doctor to exclude meningitis, dehydration, febrile convulsions, middle ear infections and other serious disorders. Once this is done there is no need for the drugs – there is a need for regular observation, temperature control and good hydration.

It’s safer to avoid pain killers, as at a young age the liver is susceptible to damage that may adversely affect the immune system for life.

* Paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in the USA