Antibiotics In Early Life Could Raise Children's Food Allergy Risk

Infection in the first year of life can be deadly for an infant, and antibiotic treatment is often the first port of call. But such treatment may have a downside; new research from the University of South Carolina finds early antibiotic exposure could raise a child's risk of food allergies.

While the study did not investigate the reasons behind this association, the researchers say it is likely down to changes in gut microbiota as a result of antibiotic treatment.

Lead author Dr. Bryan Love, of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences at the South Carolina College of Pharmacy, and colleagues report their results in the journal Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology.

Previous research has suggested that changes to the composition of gut bacteria in early life can have negative implications for health, and antibiotics are known to do just that.

Read more: Antibiotics In Early Life Could Raise Children's Food Allergy Risk

Early antibiotic exposure could raise children's risk of food allergies.

Source: medicalnewstoday

Steam Inhalation Does not Ease Chronic Nasal Congestion

While steam inhalation is widely adopted in an attempt to ease a blocked nose, a new study suggests it is unlikely to work for chronic nasal congestion.

However, saline nasal irrigation - a technique used to "flush out" excess mucus from the nasal cavity - may be beneficial for chronic nasal congestion, according to the researchers.

Study leader Dr. Paul Little, professor of primary care research at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom, and colleagues recently published their findings in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Nasal congestion is a common complaint, often caused by the common cold, flu, or sinus infection. Hay fever and other allergies, nasal polyps, and chronic sinusitis are some other causes of the condition.

While nasal congestion is just an irritation for the most part, it can cause other symptoms, such as headaches and blurred vision.

Read more: Steam Inhalation Does not Ease Chronic Nasal Congestion

Despite its popularity, inhaling steam is unlikely to ease symptoms of chronic nasal congestion.

Source: medicalnewstoday