Antibiotics May be Linked to Allergies, Asthma
 (HealthDayNews, 5/25/04)

Gary B. Huffnagle of the University of Michigan Health System reports that studies with laboratory mice demonstrate that antibiotics can increase the body’s sensitivity to common allergens. Huffnagle explains that antibiotics disrupt the normal balance of microorganisms in the gut, which can compromise the immune system and create symptoms in other parts of the body. These findings suggest that the recent increase in asthma, allergies and inflammatory diseases may be related to the widespread use of antibiotics.