Antibiotics, commonly prescribed to young children for conditions such as ear infections and pneumonia, may have lasting effects on their health by disrupting the digestive microbiome during a crucial period of development. A new study from Rutgers Health, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, examines the impact of early antibiotic exposure on the risk of chronic health conditions in childhood.
The research, which analyzed antibiotic use data from over 1 million babies in the United Kingdom, found a significant association between repeated antibiotic use before age 2 and an increased likelihood of developing asthma, food allergies, and hay fever later in life. These findings extended to siblings who had varying experiences with antibiotics, suggesting that the risks are not limited to individual cases.
Lead author Daniel Horton, a core member of the Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science at Rutgers, emphasized the importance of cautious antibiotic prescriptions for children under two. “While antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, frequent use in young children may have long-term consequences for their health,” Horton said. He is also an associate professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at Rutgers.
The study also explored the potential connection between antibiotic use and other conditions, including autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. However, no consistent link was found between antibiotic use and these conditions.
Although the researchers noted a possible relationship between antibiotics and the risk of intellectual disabilities, they urged further research to confirm these potential connections.
“Antibiotics are critical tools in modern medicine, but not every infection in young children requires antibiotic treatment,” Horton concluded, advising parents to consult with healthcare providers about the best care options for their children.
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