A recent study has revealed that excessive use of antibiotics can increase the risk of developing allergies and asthma in children as they grow older.
Researchers from New York, Stanford, and Rutgers Universities in the United States suggest that this could be linked to changes in gut microbiota caused by high antibiotic consumption.
Published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, the study analyzed data from over one million children to assess the impact of antibiotic use on more than ten different health conditions.
The findings indicate that early exposure to antibiotics raises the likelihood of developing asthma by 24% and food allergies by 33% later in life.
However, the study found no significant effect of antibiotics on the development of celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism.
According to statements from the research team reported by Health Day, antibiotics play a critical role in treating various bacterial infections. However, they emphasize that healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing these medications to children under the age of two, as they may lead to long-term health complications.