Early Life Exposure To Antibiotics Would Likely Have Greater Risk Of Developing Allergies Later In Life

A study reveals that early life exposure to antibiotics could increase the risk of developing allergies later in life. It indicates that the use of antibiotics in children within the first two years of life heightens the risk of hay fever and eczema when they are old.

The study was presented at European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in London, UK. It was led by Dr. Fariba Ahmadizar, Utrecht University, Netherlands and colleagues, according to Science Daily.

The researchers examined the PubMed and Web of Science databases published from January 1966 to November 11, 2015. They selected 22 studies that involved 394,517 patients in examining the eczema. The team also chose 22 studies involving 256,609 patients to study hay fever risk. The twelve of those selected studies with 64,639 patients had observational data on both conditions.

The results of the analysis showed that when children are exposed to antibiotics in early life, the risk of eczema increased from 15 to 41 percent. It also indicated an increased risk of hay fever by 14 percent to 56 percent. Both conditions were found to be higher when the children were given two or more courses of antibiotics, according to Tech Times. Dr. Ahmadizar concluded that early life exposure to antibiotics is related to an increased risk of both eczema and hay fever later in life.

Allergic rhinitis is also referred to as hay fever is an inflammation of the nose that occurs when the immune system reacts excessively to allergens in the air. Its symptoms include the sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, swelling around the eyes, red and itchy eyes. Those who have allergic rhinitis also have allergic conjunctivitis, asthma or atopic dermatitis. Treatments of allergic rhinitis involve taking oral antihistamines drugs, intranasal corticosteroids,decongestants, nonpharmacologic therapies such as nasal irrigation, allergen immunotherapy and some alternative treatments such as homeopathy and acupuncture.