Early-Life Pain Reliever Use Does Not Increase Risk for Eczema, Bronchiolitis

No difference in the risk for eczema or bronchiolitis were noted at 1 year of age with as needed use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Exposure to paracetamol or ibuprofen in early-life did not have differential effects on eczema or bronchiolitis risk at 1 year of age, according to the results of a study presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2025, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from September 27 to October 1.

Data from prior observational studies have indicated that exposure to paracetamol — known more commonly in the United States as acetaminophen — in early life may increase the risk for childhood eczema and wheeze.

To compare the risk for eczema and bronchiolitis with use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen, researchers conducted a multicenter, open-label, 2-arm, parallel-group, superiority study.

The researchers recruited infants (N=3908) aged younger than 8 weeks in New Zealand from April 2018 to July 2023.

Author summary: Study finds no increased risk of eczema or bronchiolitis with early-life use of pain relievers.

Clinical Pain Advisor — 2025-10-28

Early-Life Pain Reliever Use Does Not Increase Risk for Eczema, Bronchiolitis

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