Can antibiotics trigger asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Several factors can trigger asthma attacks, including infections, allergies, exercise, stress or anxiety.

Recent studies suggest that the use of antibiotics may increase the risk of developing asthma or worsening existing symptoms (1). This finding has caught researchers by surprise since antibiotics are widely used to treat bacterial infections that can exacerbate asthma.

In this article, we will explore how antibiotics affect the immune system and what mechanisms are involved in triggering asthmatic reactions. We’ll also discuss why some people might be more susceptible to antibiotic-induced asthma and what steps you can take to minimize your risk.

The link between gut microbiota and immunity

Before delving into how antibiotics affect our health let’s talk about gut microbiota—the universe inside your stomach! Your intestines harbor billions of bacteria that fulfill important roles in digestion, absorptionand importantly maintaining an optimal balance (homeostasis) with other bacterial colonizers (2)This delicate microbial equilibrium influences many biological processes throughout the body involving metabolism, hormonesand immune systems (3).

How types Antibiotics Work

Antibiotics work by killing pathogenic microbes like bacteria but unfortunately they do not discriminate Thereby destroying large numbers of beneficial bacterias alongwith viruses or fungi etc., When this happens repeatedly over time for medical reasons/ unspecified reasons it hampers Natural Immunity giving way for increased susceptibility towards allergic reactions especially Asthma

How do antibiotics trigger asthmatic reactions?

Although there are several mechanisms through which Anti Bacterials lead contribute negatively still scientific research indicates two main routes:
– Antibiotic treatment alters diversity within Gut Microbiome
– Secondary infections due Alcohol sulphates formation from undigested drugs

Altering gut flora diversity

Antibiotics are known to cause dysbiosis, an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota characterized by a decrease or loss of beneficial bacteria and overgrowth of harmful species (4) Some studies have reported that individuals who were given antibiotics at a young age had a higher risk of developing asthma later in life (5). Another study conducted on mice showed that those treated with antibiotics during early life exhibited increased airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. This phenomenon was linked to changes in gut bacteria and disruptions of immune system signaling pathways(6).

A plausible explanation behind this links modern research findings confirms normal intestines become populated with specific bacteria during early infancy they tend towards decreasing signs of allergy-related issues primarily Asthma(7). The Administration Of Antibiotics throughout immunologically vulnerable periods can throw off these immune responses leading to disordered epithelia linings/ leaky guts generation Altered physiology may push up sensitization towards environmental allergens generating respiratory difficulties by Strengthening Allergen presentation (8).

Emphasizing its clinical significance Researchers say altering Gut microbiome from Early age onward through heavy doses might render people more susceptible/responsive towards persistent asthma development throughout their lives.(9).

Alcohol sulphate formation

This means Undigested Medication can release ethanol acting as fuel for unwanted microbes along lining large intestinea causing production alcohol-based sulfates/fatty acids rather than stomach Delivers itself into Mitochondria affecting mitochondrial fats slowing them down augmenting allergic flare-ups development list goes on……few promising medications inhibiting such complications improved cases asthmatic adults emerging field unfortunately prescribed seldom Good news You reduce future problems avoiding foods high carbohydrates/cereals specific diabetic diets comparatively safe if ur worried!

Why some people are more prone to antibiotic-induced asthma?

Several factors increase the susceptibility of individuals exposed to antibiotics such as:
– Genetics
– Age
– Type and duration of treatment

People who have a family history of allergies or asthma are more likely to develop these conditions. Infants born by C-section delivery, prematurity/ low birth rate may be at higher risk since they do not receive mother-supplied beneficial lactobacillus support during vaginal childbirth (10).

The type and duration of the antibiotic course determine its effect on gut bacteria diversity; broad-spectrum antibiotics, used for extended periods or repeatedly, cause significant changes in microbial ecology leading to abnormal responses leading to dysbiosis (11).

Reducing your risk

If you or your child is taking antibiotics for an infection like pneumonia, strep throat or a bacterial sinusitis .. make sure you take preventative measures:

Take probiotics.

Probiotics containing Lactobacilli strains like L. reuteri/balegaricus/rhamnosus can help restore normal intestinal microflora that might have been affected due medication(12).

Change dietary food habits

To compensate flora study exciting research took place explaining benefits vegetable-based diets reached for improving long-term clinical outcomes shown incredible results reducing symptoms promoting better digestion all major indicators also lowered immune system reactions If curious explore new cookbooks filled plant-based meals if ur hygiene freak adds fermented consumed safely enjoy some flavorful & fermented drinks cranberries/sauerkraut along oily fatty fish

Use as little antibiotics as possible

For minor infections caused by viruses like common colds flu avoiding unnecessary drugs rather relying advices physicians/chemists During using Antibacterials complete dosage do it only when necessary meanwhile discussing potential alternatives with doctor-to avoid developing continuing harmful impacts encompass immunity complexities involving mild allergic reactions worsened severity drastic repercussions hopefully we don’t see such situation again in our lifetime.

Table comparing different types Of Antibacterials Effectively Targeting Suspectible Pathogens -A Brief Enlisting-

Category Of Antibiotics Common Name Alternative Name Spectrum
Penicillins Amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium Augmentin/Bugamox Narrow BD
Flucloxacillin narrow

Indications :-skin infections& mastitis, aspiration pneumonia,staph aureus etc.(13)

Conclusion

Antibiotic therapy can lead to disturbances in gut bacteria balance that is pivotal for maintaining a healthy immune system. Prolonged antibiotic use or frequent courses, particularly in susceptible individuals, might increase the risk of developing asthma and other complicated respiratory problems.

Although antibiotics are lifesaving medications necessary for treating bacterial infections, it’s crucial to be careful while using them. Taking alternate efforts taking probiotics/plant-based diets avoiding their overuse could make us healthier without compromising natural immunity(14).

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6046619/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24274870/
  3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369527413001234
  4. https://academicjournals.org/journal/JMPR/article-full-text-pdf/D820B3F63579
    5.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/all.13447
    6.http:/file.scirp.org/pdf/OJRB201402000181557785.pdf
    7.Ling Z et al Role of Metabolic Pathways Genes Supporting Production Short-Chain Fatty Acids Gut microbiota determine sensitization Environmental allergens allergic Differentiation J Asthma 54 (8):755–761) – Novartis Foundation Symposium.
    8.Matthews NC1, Jen HV2 Li J3 Microbiota-Allergen Interactions Modulate Asthma: Effect Size and Lessons COVID-19 pediatric practices
  5. Lunjani N et al Antibiotics-induced changes to intestinal microbiota are associated with progression diminishing efficacy of treatment for asthma patients Oncotarget 10 (32),3035–3046 .
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296087/
  7. Buffie CG, Pamer EG. Microbiota-mediated colonization resistance against intestinal pathogens.
    12.Million M Approaches targetting Gut microflora advance Clinical practice Specific focus Paediatric allergy Int journal Antimicrobial agents /
    13.Contraindications -severe drug allergies ,liver/kidney disorders
    14.European Respiratory Journal.’]

Random Posts