urinary tract infections. Antibiotics typically prescribed for gastrointestinal infections were the most likely to be associated with a new IBD diagnosis.
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Should you be taking antibiotics?
The findings show that doctors should consider IBD when seeing older adults with new gastrointestinal symptoms, especially if they have a history of antibiotic use, Faye says.
The study also highlights the need for cautious use of antibiotics to prevent IBD and antibiotic resistance.
“Antibiotic stewardship is important; but avoiding antibiotics at all costs is not the right answer either,” Faye says. “If you’re not sure what you are treating, I would be cautious. If patients are coming in with clear infections, and they need antibiotics, they should not be withheld because of these findings.”
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The study findings are scheduled for presentation Sunday, May 22, at the Digestive Disease Week meeting in San Diego. Results presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
If you are concerned about the side effects of any antibiotics you are prescribed, talk with your doctor and see if there are any other alternative treatment methods you can try.
