A new study finds frequent use of antibiotics in children under 2 significantly increases their risk for asthma, food allergies and hay fever.
Frequent use of antibiotics in infants and toddlers may increase their risk for asthma and allergies as they age, a new study finds.
Researchers say changes in the gut microbiome… believed to be caused by antibiotic overuse… could be to blame.
The researchers analyzed data from more than 1 million children and compared their antibiotic use with more than a dozen medical outcomes.
According to the results, exposure to antibiotics before age led to a 24% increased risk of asthma and a 33% increased risk of food allergies later in childhood.
However, no significant links were found to other conditions, including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
The lead author says, “Antibiotics play a critical role in combatting bacterial infections, but physicians should be judicious when prescribing antibiotics to children under 2, as frequent use may affect long-term health outcomes.”
Source: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Author Affiliations: Rutgers University, New York University, Stanford University
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