Medi watch

Antibiotics linked to asthma

Children who are given antibiotics as babies have a higher risk of developing asthma by the age of seven, even if the drugs were given for ailments other than respiratory tract infections, according to a Canadian study of more than 13,000 children. The reason for the link isn't clear. But the risk was also higher for those who were given antibiotics and didn't have a dog in the home. The presence of a dog exposes a baby to germs, which appears to help trigger its immune system sooner, Reuters reports.

Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.