Infants receiving antibiotics within the first year of life are at a higher risk of early-onset childhood asthma, according to a study in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Researchers analyzed data on children enrolled in a nationwide health insurance plan from 1999 through 2006.
They found infants receiving antibiotics in their first year of life were nearly twice as likely to develop transient wheezing and persistent asthma. Additionally, when five or more antibiotic courses were received, the odds of persistent asthma doubled.
Researchers suggest heightened caution regarding appropriate antibiotic use in infants is warranted.
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