Posted by Sarah S. Kehl, M.D. in Primary Care
Feb 28, 2012
Recent studies have begun to look at a possible association between the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and asthma symptoms. Acetaminophen depletes a protective antioxidant called glutathione, which scientists believe may lead to future asthma symptoms.
Most studies that show a link between acetaminophen use and asthma symptoms are "retrospective." This means that patients (or their parents) are asked to recall information about acetaminophen use to see if there is a relationship between that and current asthma symptoms. Many of these studies also show an association between mothers taking regular doses of acetaminophen during pregnancy and babies with asthma symptoms.
Retrospective studies like these are subject to "recall bias," where patients with symptoms might recall medication use more clearly than those without. It's important to note that an association is not the same as finding a cause.
So far, only one randomized, controlled trial has investigated the link. A randomized controlled study assigns patients randomly to one of two treatments, which can reduce bias. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine assigned 1,879 children with asthma to take either acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they developed a fever. They found that the children who took acetaminophen for their fever were more than twice as likely to see a doctor later for asthma symptoms than those who took ibuprofen.
Other studies have found a similar association between acetaminophen use and asthma in teenagers, and more studies are under way on adults.
Since aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can also provoke asthma in some patients, it's best to talk with your doctor before making any changes.
Posted by Sarah S. Kehl, M.D. in Allergy
Jan 10, 2012
If you’ve ever wondered if you are allergic to dogs, or whether there is such a thing as a “hypoallergenic dog,” read on…
If you come in contact with and are allergic to dogs, you may sneeze or feel itchy, stuffy, or wheezy. These symptoms may occur right after contact, but often worsen about 6-12 hours later. Even if you don’t have pets, you can have symptoms while in public places such as schools, offices and daycare centers, all of which can have dog dander present.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a “hypoallergenic” dog. Scientists have tested the dog allergen levels in breeds labeled “hypoallergenic, “compared them to other breeds, and found no difference. Many people think that dog hair causes allergies, but symptoms are actually caused by proteins in the dog’s skin (dander), saliva, and urine. Also, dander levels do not depend on fur length or how much the dog sheds.
How can you find out if you are allergic to dogs?
It’s easy! Simply schedule an appointment with your allergist for skin testing or have a blood test for the allergic antibody (IgE) to dog dander. If your test is positive, you should avoid exposure to dogs.
What if you already have a dog?
• Don’t let your dog sleep in your bedroom. Try to create an “allergen-free zone” for sleeping.
• Keep the dog off upholstered furniture.
• Bathe your dog weekly and use a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or HEPA filter; this can help to temporarily reduce dander levels.
• Consider removing carpets or rugs, which are a common reservoir for pet dander.
• Talk to your vet about a balanced diet to help prevent dry skin.
• Giving up your pet is not always necessary. Talk with your doctor about possible medications. Allergy injections might also provide long-term relief.
For more information, visit www.aaaai.org.
