A influência da antibioticoterapia na infância

Abstract

The inappropriate use of antibiotics in children is a growing concern in pediatric practice, mainly due to the risks associated with the development of bacterial resistance and its long-term adverse effects. The objective of this study is to analyze the consequences of antibiotic use in childhood. The literature review was carried out in databases such as Scielo, Google Scholar and PubMed, using descriptors such as "use of antibiotics in children", "self-medication", "pediatric antibiotic therapy", "antimicrobial resistance", "hospital infections in pediatrics" and "side effects of antibiotics". Studies reveal that excessive use of antibiotics in children can cause serious side effects, including changes in the intestinal microbiota and the development of conditions such as asthma, obesity, autism and anxiety. Furthermore, untreated infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi can aggravate antimicrobial resistance, which manifests itself through intrinsic and acquired mechanisms in bacteria. Self-medication and inappropriate prescription, especially for viral febrile conditions, also contribute to this worrying scenario. The results highlight the urgent need to raise awareness about the risks associated with inappropriate use of antibiotics in childhood, which is crucial to minimize negative consequences and ensure the health of future generations.