RESEARCH ARTICLE
Antibiotics and Allergic Disorders in Childhood
Sue Jordan*, 1, Mel Storey2, Gareth Morgan2
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2008Volume: 2
First Page: 48
Last Page: 57
Publisher ID: TONURSJ-2-48
DOI: 10.2174/1874434600802010048
PMID: 19319220
PMCID: PMC2582823
Article History:
Received Date: 20/3/2008Revision Received Date: 2/5/2008
Acceptance Date: 5/5/2008
Electronic publication date: 22/5/2008
Collection year: 2008
open-access license: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/), which permits unrestrictive use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Aim
This paper explores the possible association between antibiotics prescribed in infancy and allergic disorders, mainly eczema and asthma, in childhood.
Background
No-one fully understands why childhood asthma and eczema have become so common. Some authorities suggest that there may be an association between eczema and asthma and antibiotics prescribed in childhood; however, others disagree.
Method/Evaluation
The available literature was reviewed to examine the links between prescribed antibiotics and childhood eczema and asthma.
Findings/Key Issue
Some, but not all, research indicates that antibiotic administration in pregnancy, childbirth or infancy may be linked to childhood asthma and eczema, but much uncertainty remains. None of the papers identified stated the doses of antibiotics prescribed. In addition, we were unable to locate studies reporting the interactions between antibiotics and the developing immune system
Conclusion
Health care professionals should be selective when prescribing antibiotics. Further prospective work is needed to guide the prescribing of antibiotics in childbirth and infancy.
