RESEARCH ARTICLE


Antibiotics and Allergic Disorders in Childhood



Sue Jordan*, 1, Mel Storey2, Gareth Morgan2
1 School of Health Science, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
2 School of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK


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Creative Commons License
© Jordan et al.; Licensee Bentham Open

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.

* Address correspondence to this author at the School of Health Sciences,University of Wales, Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK;Tel: +44 ( 0) 1792 295789/518541; Fax: 01792 295487; E-mail: s.e.jordan@swansea.ac.uk


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.

Keywords: Allergic disorders, antibiotics, prescribing, adverse drug reactions, evidence based practice.