Childhood Antibiotic Use Linked to Higher Odds of IBS in Young Adulthood
A study presented at UEG Week 2026 suggests that antibiotic use from childhood through early adulthood is associated with a greater likelihood of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by age 24.
New research presented at UEG Week 2026 in Barcelona has indicated a link between antibiotic use during childhood and young adulthood and the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The study analyzed data from 2,853 participants in the Swedish BAMSE birth cohort. Antibiotic prescriptions were tracked from childhood until participants reached age 24. The findings revealed that 10% of participants had IBS at age 24. Those who had received antibiotics were more likely to have IBS (87.8%) compared to those who had not (80.2%).
Quantitatively, antibiotic exposure increased the odds of developing IBS. Compared to individuals who received no antibiotics, those with one or two prescriptions had 1.3 times the odds of IBS, rising to 1.7 times the odds for those with six or more prescriptions. Specifically, tetracyclines and cephalosporins were found to be significantly associated with a higher risk.
Researchers theorize that the gut microbiome could be a factor in this association. Lead author Dr. Jessica Sjölund emphasized that the findings do not discourage necessary antibiotic use but highlight potential long-term effects of repeated exposure and underscore the importance of avoiding unnecessary prescriptions.