Antibiotics Before 2 Years Old
Written by Dr. Alyssa Puorro
Why is it the norm that children, on average, take 2-3 prescription drugs per year? Is that even necessary? Prescription medications can be life saving in some situations, however the high degree to which they are given out continues to be an ongoing concern.
In a new study, Mayo Clinic researchers found that, “Antibiotics administered to children younger than 2 are associated with several ongoing illnesses or conditions, ranging from allergies to obesity.” These included asthma, celiac disease, food allergies, allergic rhinitis, ADHD, and negative effects to the microbiome.
The bacteria of the microbiome are widely important in many functions of the body, including: digestion, immunity, protection against disease, vitamin production, as well as playing a role in anxiety, mood, and cognition. It is therefore essential to keep the microbiome healthy and intact.
With the growing over-use of antibiotics, it is important to keep in mind a few things, to best avoid these associated effects. Antibiotics are ineffective in the use of viral infections. The following common viral infections are very likely to go away on their own in a few days: colds, flu, sinus infections, bronchitis, and ear infections.
According to the Oman Medical Journal, “It is a well known fact that these common infections in children are mostly viral and self limiting, thus antibiotics are most often unnecessary. Yet across the world, more than 50% of children with upper respiratory tract infection are treated with antibiotics, and receive on average 2-3 prescriptions per year.”
The most important thing you can do when your child isn’t feeling their best is to get them adjusted. Getting adjusted puts the body into healing mode, encouraging quicker recovery. It is also important to encourage rest, fluids, and a healthy intake of nutrients, to equip your child’s body with all it needs to bounce back. And remember that your child’s brain and body are incredibly smart and equipped with the capacity to fend off invaders.
https://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/antibiotics-for-respiratory-illness in-children/
https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/docserver/fulltext/micro/156/11/3216.pdf? expires=1606361675&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=5F2620B42D4908425771E48 BA3FCD9CEhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5962619/ https://depts.washington.edu/ceeh/downloads/FF_Microbiome.pdf
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