The biggest surprise I encountered while reading the studies for the past 2 Fridays' posts was a 3rd article from the same Pediatrics journal but this time looking at the link between antibiotics & asthma from a different perspective. In this particular review & meta-analysis of 20 studies published between 1950 & 2010, the authors found that pre-natal exposure to and early childhood administration of antibiotics was associated with an increase risk of developing asthma, consistent with the hygiene hypothesis.
Just what is the hygiene hypothesis? Back in 1989, David Strachan theorized in the BMJ, based upon epidemiological data, that hay fever was due to declining family size (thus decrease in antigen transmittal by unhygienic contact w/older siblings), improvement in household amenities, and higher standards of personal cleanliness. Countless observational studies have since been published supporting some association between early antigen exposure and decreased risk of developing atopic conditions, eg asthma, eczema, etc. The theory isn't airtight but it is intriguing.
We still don't have any causal data yet to prove this hypothesis, just corroborative evidence that demonstrates a link. However, I see no need for my children to take antibiotics (unless warranted) perchance I don't stimulate their immune system enough! After all, it would appear that we may soon add asthma to the list of complications associated with taking antibiotics as enumerated last week. On the other hand, I'm not a total believer as I still make them wash hands, sneeze/cough into the crook of one's elbow, and get immunized.
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