Newborns, some medicines, and allergies later in life

A new article, culmination of years of work, done by a researcher right here in Bethesda at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Edward Mitre, MD has shown a significant correlation between the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) or antibiotics, early in infancy leading to development of many different kinds of allergies, specially food allergies, later in childhood!

The study looked at children with no prior history of allergies, who were put on either a PPI or an antibiotic during the first 6 months of birth.  They did a 5 year follow up and found that infants put on either of these two medicines had twice the  chance of developing food allergies, and just under twice the chance of developing allergies to medications than those infants who did not receive these medicines.  The children who took these meds during their 6 months of infancy also had a greater chance of developing asthma, anaphylaxis, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic rhinitis!  WOW

Presumably, the reason for the increased rates of allergies due to use of these medications early in infancy is due to the microbiome.  Microbiome is the collection and ratios of different microbial organisms that colonize the large intestine and have numerous beneficial effects to the host.  A healthy microbiome is linked with better health therefore its quite possible that damage to the microbiome due to use of PPI’s or an antibiotic is responsible for the increased rates allergies.

The conclusion by medical experts, the author and others, is that PPI’s or antibiotics should be used in infancy only when there is clear clinical benefit!!!

I have a better idea:  if your child is suffering from what appears to be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), let acupuncture, or for kids averse to the thought of a needle, acupressure, help them with their discomfort.  Acupressure has no side effects and is very effective for GERD.

If your child has an infection, antibiotics have to be used, but then emphasis can be placed on making sure the micro-biome is made healthy again thru the use of pro biotics.

I have helped many children, as small as 4 months old, in my practice get.  Call for a phone consult to see whats possible with acupressure and acupuncture.