Antibiotic Use Early in Life Increases Risk for Asthma

This population-based study confirms previous studies that found an association between antibiotic use and development of childhood asthma.

Results from previous studies have been equivocal regarding the association between antibiotic use early in life and the development of asthma during childhood. To examine risk factors for asthma at age 7, Canadian investigators conducted a longitudinal cohort study using healthcare and prescription databases in Manitoba, Canada.

Among 13,116 children born in 1995, 65% received oral antibiotics during the first year (mostly broad spectrum). To control for reverse causation, children who were diagnosed with asthma during the first year were excluded. After controlling for gender, maternal history of asthma, number of siblings, urban or rural location, and number of healthcare visits, antibiotic use during the first year of life compared with …

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Antibiotic Use Early in Life Increases Risk for Asthma

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Reviewing Author