11/24/2020
While antibiotics can be lifesaving, indiscriminate use has serious health consequences. Children who were given antibiotics before the age of two are more likely to have a range of health conditions. Notability increases in allergies, asthma, food allergies, eczema, ADHD, autism, and celiac disease were significantly higher in children exposed to antibiotics. Age of antibiotic exposure, type of antibiotic, s*x, and number of antibiotic exposures all showed influence of the type and severity of these health conditions later in childhood. Interestingly, some antibiotics showed increased risk of autism and some showed a moderate protective effect.
We’re still learning about the interconnectedness of our microbiome and our health. As such, prudence should be exercised when prescribing antibiotics for early childhood illnesses.
Children younger than two who are given antibiotics are more likely to have a number of ongoing illnesses or conditions later in life, a new study finds.
