Studies of antibiotics in smaller children increases the risk of allergies

When small children take antibiotics, the subsequent risk of allergies increases
At the present time many diseases are treated with antibiotics. Researchers have now found that people with early exposure to antibiotics are at an increased risk of developing allergies later in life. So another reason why antibiotics should only be used in urgent emergencies in young children. In general, antibiotics should not be prescribed uselessly, only so we can avoid the progressive spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

The researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands found in an investigation that the early intake of antibiotics can lead to problems at a later age. Affected people are at an increased risk of developing allergies later in life. The physicians presented the results of their study at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in London.

Again and again doctors warn of the dangers of antibiotic resistance. But the use of antibiotics has other dangers for us humans. If small children take antibiotics early, the risk of the later development of various allergies increases. (Image: redpepper82 / fotolia.com)

Antibiotic resistance on the rise
Doctors have long been warning against over-prescribing antibiotics. A health insurance study revealed some time ago that doctors in Germany often prescribe antibiotics only on suspicion. More and more bacterial strains around the world are developing immunity to antibiotics through these pointless prescriptions. For example, there are forms of gonorrhea in which the causative bacterium of the disease has become, to a large extent, resistant to conventional antibiotic treatments. These pathogens with antibiotic resistance are reaching a dangerous level.

Soon new treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria?
The worldwide advancing resistance to antibiotics is a big danger for us humans. If certain bacterial strains can no longer be treated with antibiotics, the risk of global spread increases. That's why doctors are strengthening their fight against antibiotic resistance. Some time ago, experts have already announced that new treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been discovered.

Researchers analyze data from nearly 400,000 subjects in 44 studies
A study of nearly 400,000 subjects showed that early exposure to antibiotics leads to an increased risk of developing allergies later in life, explains author Dr. med. Fariba Ahmadizar from Utrecht University. A total of 44 studies evaluating the risk of eczema and hay fever were studied. An attempt was made to find out if the early intake of antibiotics affects the frequency of the disease, say the scientists. Twenty-two studies examined the development of hay fever. 22 other studies examined the risk of developing eczema. Twelve of the studies looked at both eczema and hay fever, the authors explain.

Studies show an increased risk of allergies
The increased risk of developing eczema due to the early use of antibiotics during the first two years of life varies between 15 and 41 percent, the researchers explain. It has also been found that early use of antibiotics increases the risk of hay fever by 16 to 56 percent later in life. The results were dependent on the respective study, add the physicians. In general, one can actually say from the results: Exposure to antibiotics in early life is associated with an increased risk of eczema and hay fever. Ahmadizar. (As)