Did you take antibiotics as a child? The risk you should know about

A new Swedish study has found a statistical link between antibiotic use in childhood and an increased risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adulthood. The higher the number of prescriptions, the greater the risk. Researchers emphasize this is not a causal relationship and call for avoiding unnecessary use.

A new Swedish study, presented at a medical conference in Europe, reveals a statistical link between antibiotic use in childhood and an increased risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adulthood. The study followed approximately 2,850 young people and found that taking antibiotics increased the risk by 1.5 times by age 24. The association was dose-dependent: one or two prescriptions increased the risk by 1.3 times, three to five prescriptions by 1.6 times, and six or more prescriptions by 1.7 times. Two antibiotic groups were particularly associated: tetracyclines and cephalosporins. Researchers emphasize this is a statistical association only, not causation, and that antibiotics should not be avoided when essential. The key message is to avoid unnecessary prescriptions, especially for children.