The dangers of overuse of antibiotics in children

30th April 2025

2 minutes read

The dangers of overuse of antibiotics in children

Risks to Gut Microbiota and the Immune System

Overusing antibiotics in children has become a significant public health concern. While antibiotics are vital for treating bacterial infections, improper or excessive use can lead to adverse effects and contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. This issue is particularly alarming in children, whose immune systems are still developing and more susceptible to imbalance.

Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections and do not work for viral illnesses such as colds, influenza, or most sore throats and ear infections. Nevertheless, antibiotics are frequently prescribed inappropriately — often due to parental pressure or precaution — which promotes the emergence of resistant bacteria. These resistant strains can make future infections more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications.

One of the most immediate and frequent side effects of antibiotics in children is the disruption of the gut microbiome. Antibiotics kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, which can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, or Clostridium difficile infections. In the long term, an imbalanced microbiome may affect immune system development, nutrient absorption, and even mental health.

Recent studies have also suggested possible associations between frequent antibiotic exposure in early childhood and an increased risk of allergies, asthma, childhood obesity, and chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease. While these findings are still being investigated, they highlight the potential long-term consequences of unnecessary antibiotic use.

To mitigate these risks, healthcare providers must adopt evidence-based prescribing practices. Accurate diagnoses — supported by clinical evaluation and, where appropriate, lab tests — are key to ensuring antibiotics are only used when truly necessary. Educating parents is equally important. They need to understand that antibiotics are not a cure-all and that fever or a cough does not automatically warrant their use.

Promoting responsible antibiotic use also involves proactive infection prevention: vaccinating children, encouraging proper hygiene, ensuring adequate rest, and supporting a healthy diet are all important strategies to minimize the need for antibiotics.