ACETAMINOPHEN AND LUNG PROBLEMS -COPD

           Up to 24 million Americans show impaired lung function which is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.  Most common is COPD.  COPD is an acronym for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.  COPD is not just one disease, but a group of diseases.  This group of diseases block airflow during exhalation, which makes it increasingly difficult to breathe.  It also includes bronchitis and emphysema.

          Symptoms of COPD include:  a constant cough, can be called a "smokers cough"; shortness of breath while doing normal activities; a lot of mucus production; wheezing; smothering - feeling like you can't breath or even take a deep breath.   

          Research connects acetaminophen use with asthma and COPD as stated in the May, 2005 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.   "Oxidative stress may increase the risk of asthma, contribute to asthma progression, and decrease lung function," writes Tricia M. McKeever, MD, and colleagues from the University of Nottingham, England.   "Previous research suggests that use of acetaminophen, which is hypothesized to reduce antioxidant capacity in the lung, is associated with an increased risk of asthma."

          Increased use of acetaminophen has been associated with COPD and asthma.  The higher use of the drugs, the higher incidence of these lung diseases.  Acetaminophen will decrease lung function in general, even people who haven't developed these lung diseases.  Daily users have lower lung function than people who have never used this drug. 

          All of the pain relievers on the market cause side effects.  Two aspirin will cause your stomach to bleed for two weeks.  There are no "good" pain relievers.  The herbal world offers some safe alternatives.  They can relieve pain and heal the body at the same time.  Be very careful what you take for anything.  Just because it is sold over the counter does not mean it is safe. 

          If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Dr. Sheila Miles graduated in 2000 and was Board Certified as a Naturopathic Physician by the National Board of Examiners in Integrated/Alternative Medicine and Natural Health Science.  In addition, she earned a Doctorate in Natural Health Science.  She is also certified in Iridology, Manipulation, Hydrotherapy, Acupressure Massage, Nutrition, Homeopathy and Herbal preparations,  Life Coach and NLP practitioner.