Antibiotics before six months increased asthma risk

According to a recent study by researchers at Yale University antibiotics administered to children aged 0 to 6 months of age increases the risk of developing asthma by as much as 40%. In the case of a second course of antibiotics, the risk rises by 70%

The study is not the first to indict the early and excessive use of antibiotics, especially not the first time that the use of antibiotics is linked to the onset of asthma, even if the criticism is often directed to such research is that often the children who receive antibiotics are already at risk of asthma.

However, in the latter study, which analyzed 1,400 children, researchers have also included antibiotics not linked to respiratory problems, also administered to children with parents with no family history of asthma. The increased asthma seemed to be confirmed anyway.

” The results of our study should encourage doctors to avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics, especially in children at low risk , “said Dr. Kari Risnes.

According to the researchers antibiotics may disturb the balance of microbes in the gut. Dr. Kari Risnes added: ” The use of antibiotics, particularly broad-spectrum antibiotics, can alter the microbial flora in the intestine, causing imbalances in the immune system and lack of allergic response. “