Antibiotics are important for dealing with deadly infections. Throughout your little one’s life, their doctor will prescribe them all kinds of antibiotics.
But are there any long-term side effects of this medication on your child’s gut health?
To learn the truth, we sat down with pharmacist Nazatul Amira Hamzah.
Nazatul has over a decade of experience in pharmacy and healthcare.
Q1: How do antibiotics work in treating bacterial infections in children?
Antibiotics are medications formulated to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause infections.
By eliminating harmful bacteria, antibiotics help the body recover from illness.
Q2: What is the gut microbiome, and why is it important for my child’s health?
The gut microbiome is the trillions of microorganisms found in the digestive tract, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes.
In children, the microbiome influences digestion, immune system development, metabolism, and even mental health.
It also protects against infections, enhances nutrient absorption, and promotes general health.
Q3: What role does the gut microbiome play in my child’s immune system?
The gut microbiome helps your child’s immune system to distinguish between safe and harmful substances.
It also boosts the production of immune cells and helps prevent the overgrowth of unwanted bacteria.
Q4: What are the impacts of antibiotic use on the gut microbiome in children?
Antibiotics frequently wipe out both dangerous and beneficial microorganisms in the gut.
This disruption can cause an imbalance in the microbiome diversity and allow dangerous bacteria or yeast to flourish, potentially harming digestion and immune function.
Children, particularly newborns, are especially vulnerable to antibiotic adverse effects because their microbiome is less established and more sensitive than that of adults.
Q5: What symptoms might indicate that antibiotics are negatively affecting my child’s gut?
Your child may experience symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, and changes in stool consistency due to an imbalance in their gut microbiome.
Q6: How does antibiotic overuse or misuse affect my child’s gut health?
Unnecessary or prolonged use of antibiotics, especially at a young age, can result in reduced gut microbiome diversity.
This may cause your child to develop chronic (long-term) issues, including food intolerances, allergies, obesity, or immune disorders.
Antibiotic overuse can diminish your child’s beneficial bacteria and cause the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve and become immune to the actions of antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat.
Misuse, such as the use of antibiotics for viral illnesses, can alter the gut microbiome and lead to long-term health issues.
Q7: Are certain antibiotics more likely to cause gut imbalance in children?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or clindamycin, are more likely to disturb the gut microbiome since they act on a wide range of bacteria, including beneficial ones.
Narrow-spectrum antibiotics, which target specific bacteria, may have a lesser impact.
Your healthcare professional will carefully consider the benefits and risks of antibiotics before giving them to your child.
Q8: How can I help restore my child’s gut microbiome after antibiotic treatment?
You can help your child’s gut recover faster from the side effects of antibiotics by including probiotic-rich foods.
This includes yogurt, kefir, miso or supplements.
You can also encourage the intake of foods that are high in fibre and prebiotics. For example, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Additionally, you must discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
Q9: What are prebiotics and probiotics, and what role do they play in mitigating the effects of antibiotics on gut health?
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Probiotics are live bacteria that can provide health benefits when taken in sufficient amounts.
Both prebiotics and probiotics help restore balance to the gut microbiome following antibiotic treatment, reducing the incidence of antibiotic-related side effects.
Q10: How long may it take for my child’s gut microbiome to recover after completing their course of antibiotics?
Generally, it may take a few weeks to several months for the gut microbiome to restore its balance, depending on your child’s health, diet, and the type and duration of the antibiotic treatment.
Vaccination, proper hygiene, and a healthy diet can help protect your child against infections, thereby minimising their need for antibiotics.
Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!