Frequent use of antibiotics can add to the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among those above 40 years of age. IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a group of disorders that cause chronic pain and swelling in the intestines.
According to the study, over six million Danish citizens aged 10 years and above, 36,027 new cases of ulcerative colitis and 16,381 new cases of Crohn’s disease were diagnosed in the country between 2000 and 2018. “Overall, compared with no antibiotic use, use of these drugs was associated with a higher risk of developing IBD, regardless of age. But older age was associated with the highest risk.
The risk seemed to be cumulative, with each subsequent course adding an additional 11%,15% and 14% heightened risk, across the age bands. The highest risk of all was observed among those prescribed five or more courses of antibiotics, 60% heightened risk for 10-40 year old : a doubling in risk for 40-60 year old; and a 95% heightened risk for the over 60s, according to the study. As to the antibiotic type, the highest risk of IBD was associated with broad spectrum antibiotics such as the nitroimidazoles and fluoroquinolones that are usually used to treat gut infections.
Some plausible biological explanations for the findings include the natural diminution of both the resilience and range of microbes in the gut microbiome associated with ageing, which antibiotic use is likely to compound. “Furthermore, with repeated courses of antibiotics, these shifts can become more pronounced, ultimately limiting recovery of the intestinal microbiota.”
Limiting prescriptions for antibiotics may not only help to curb antibiotic resistance but may also help lower the risk of IBD.
Results of the study, though important should be taken with a pinch of salt. “In India, overuse of antibiotics is very common. If that was the sole cause or risk factor for IBD, we would have a deluge of such cases.”
“Ninety percent of people suffering from diarrhea do not require antibiotics. Maintaining hydration is enough. Diarrhea is a self-limiting disease. Similarly, most fever and chest infections are often cause by viral infections and popping broad spectrum antibiotics are of no use in such cases.”
