Scientists have found out what frequent antibiotic use in childhood can lead to

Scientists have discovered a link between antibiotic use during childhood and adolescence and an increased risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by the age of 24. Moreover, the likelihood of developing the condition increases with each new course of treatment.

As reported by BAKU.WS, the results of the study were presented at the international gastroenterology conference UEG Week 2026.

The study involved 2,853 individuals from the Swedish BAMSE cohort. Specialists analyzed data from the national registry on antibiotic prescriptions for participants starting from the age of 9–11 years up to the age of 24.

It was found that by the age of 24, irritable bowel syndrome had been diagnosed in 10% of the study participants. At the same time, 79.4% of patients with this diagnosis were women.

According to the results obtained, people who were prescribed antibiotics during childhood and adolescence developed IBS 1.5 times more frequently compared to those who did not take such medications. With six or more prescriptions, the rate increased to 1.7 times.

Researchers paid particular attention to two groups of antibiotics — tetracyclines and cephalosporins. The use of tetracyclines was associated with a 1.4-fold increase in the likelihood of developing IBS, while three or more courses of cephalosporins were associated with a sixfold increase in risk.

According to the scientists, a possible reason for this relationship may be long-term changes in the gut microbiome caused by antibacterial medications.

At the same time, the authors emphasize that the results obtained do not prove a direct causal relationship between antibiotic use and the development of irritable bowel syndrome. Nevertheless, the study points to the need for justified and cautious prescription of such medications, especially for children and adolescents.