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Infection

Infant Antibiotic Exposure Linked to Increased Risk of Childhood Asthma

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A recent study conducted by the University of Iceland, in collaboration with the Landspitali University Hospital in Iceland, has found a significant association between infant antibiotic exposure and an increased risk of childhood asthma. The study, which observed 43,600 children born in Iceland from 2010 to 2019, revealed that infants treated with antibiotics had a 2-fold risk of asthma diagnosis compared to those who were not treated with antibiotics. The research also noted that antibiotic exposure, regardless of the type or duration, was linked to higher rates of infections and antibiotic use in childhood.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study observed 43,600 children born in Iceland from 2010 to 2019, with 22,393 included in the final analysis.
  • The cohort was divided into four groups based on antibiotic exposure: elective cesarean section, vaginal birth with maternal intrapartum antibiotics, vaginal birth with infant antibiotics, and vaginal birth without antibiotic exposure.
  • The rates of infections, antibiotic use, and asthma risk were significantly higher in infants treated with antibiotics, with a 2-fold risk of asthma diagnosis compared to controls.
  • The largest effect was observed in infants treated with antibiotics, with a 101% higher risk of infections and a 100% higher risk of antibiotic use.
  • The research concluded that the observed late side-effects of antibiotic use, possibly mediated through a disrupted microbiome, should promote a conservative approach to antibiotic treatment in young infants.
  • The study was peer-reviewed and published in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.

Statistics:

  • 43,600 children born in Iceland from 2010 to 2019 were observed in the study.
  • 22,393 children were included in the final analysis.
  • 1496 children were in Group I (elective cesarean section).
  • 3413 children were in Group II (vaginal birth with maternal intrapartum antibiotics).
  • 356 children were in Group III (vaginal birth with infant antibiotics).
  • 17,128 children were in Group IV (vaginal birth without antibiotic exposure).
  • Infants treated with antibiotics had a 2-fold risk of asthma diagnosis compared to controls (odds ratio: 1.91, P<0.05).
  • The risk of infections and antibiotic use was significantly higher in infants treated with antibiotics, with a 101% higher risk of infections and a 100% higher risk of antibiotic use.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. University of Iceland Reports Findings in Asthma (Infant Antibiotic Exposure Is Associated With Increased Risk of Later Childhood Infections, Antibiotic Use and Asthma). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. October 20, 2025; p 759.
  • Infant Antibiotic Exposure Is Associated With Increased Risk of Later Childhood Infections, Antibiotic Use and Asthma. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 2025;44(10):949-954.

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