A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that children who received antibiotics between birth and 2 years of age were more likely to develop food allergies, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. However, the study did not find a significant link between antibiotic use and neurodevelopmental conditions.
The researchers used electronic health records data from over 1 million babies in the UK to examine the association between antibiotic exposure and various chronic pediatric conditions. The primary exposure was antibiotic prescriptions between birth and 2 years of age.
According to the study, children who received multiple courses of antibiotics were more likely to develop allergic conditions, including food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. However, the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism or ADHD, was found to be minimal.
The study’s lead author, Daniel Horton, emphasized that while antibiotics are crucial for treating bacterial infections in young children, overuse can have negative long-term effects on their health. He advised parents to consult with their child’s doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
In contrast to this article, the FDA recently approved Dupilumab as a targeted therapy for chronic spontaneous urticaria, marking its first approval in a decade for this condition.
Source: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/antibiotic-use-in-infants-and-young-children-may-increase-risk-of-allergic-conditions