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Asthma
USE OF TOO MUCH ANTIBIOTIC INCREASES CHILDHOOD ASTHMA RISK – (02-25-08)
James Bogash
Increased Risk of Childhood Asthma From Antibiotic Use in Early Life
While the physiology behind this makes perfect sense, this is a relationship that doesn’t seem to gain wings. Some studies have not been able to find an association, but the problem is that antibiotic use does not occur in a vacuum. Probiotics in the gut are needed for healthy development of the immune system, with an emphasis on the importance on creating a strong Th-1 system. This arm of the immune system is needed to battle off bacteria and viruses that enter the body.
On the flip side, vaccinations are well know to stimulate the Th-2 profile. So, coupling antibiotic use with immunizations can definitely increase a child’s risk of developing asthma.
