Antibiotics play a pivotal role fighting pathologic bacterial infections. However, there use is being redefined for some conditions. For example, the standard of care in some countries for treating middle ear infections in children is to treat the pain and wait a few days because it can resolve on its own. This prevents bacterial resistance to antibiotics and some of the common side effects like diarrhea seen in young children.

Researchers at the University of Manitoba may have found another clinical outcome of antibiotic use in children in their first year of life; an increased risk of developing asthma as reported in the June 2007 issue of CHEST.

• Dr. Anita Kozyrskyj, PhD, BScPhm, Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba