Young children given multiple courses of antibiotics are more likely to suffer from hay fever and eczema later on in life, a study has found.
Scientists and researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands studied the records of nearly 400,000 patients to see if they could find a link between antibiotics and the development of allergies in children of a young age.
Used to treat or prevent types of bacterial infection, antibiotics work by killing bacteria or preventing the bacteria from spreading. They are not effective against viral infections, such as the flu, common colds and sore throats.
Team leader Dr Fariba Ahmadizar said of her findings: "Early life exposure to antibiotics is related to an increased risk of both eczema and hayfever later in life.”
Bristol University Professor of Paediatrics Professor Adam Finn warned that the findings add to existing evidence that there can be many downsides to using antibiotics.
“These drugs are extremely useful and important, saving lives and alleviating suffering from serious infections," he said, before going on to caution that they must be used correctly:
"They should not be used unless they are really needed," he explained.
"Once people, both the doctors prescribing them and the patients who ask for them, begin to understand this, we may see an important change in behaviour which may not only reduce any risks of allergic disease or other long-term problems but also help reduce the rate of emergence of antibiotic resistance from their overuse.”
Antibiotics are not routinely given now over fears germs will become resistant.
However, it’s important to remember that if a doctor prescribes you or your child antibiotics, you must always take them and remember to finish the course.
Are antibitotics often your first thought when your child is poorly? Do you have doubts?
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