Frequent use of antibiotics linked with higher risk of Crohn’s, colitis
Classes of antimicrobials used for treating gut issues pose the greatest risk, a study shows
Overuse of antibiotics may trigger inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), research suggests.
A US study finds that antibiotics may increase the risk for bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, for 1-2 years after use, with the odds highest in those over 40 years.
And the greatest risk was posed by two classes of antibiotics — nitroimidazoles and fluoroquinolones — often used to treat gut infections.
“Antibiotics may impact the development of IBD through alteration of the microbiome,” said lead researcher gastroenterologist Dr Adam Faye, of New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, in New York City.
