New research appears to confirm that exposure to antibiotics in early life increases the risk of developing allergies, such as hay fever, later in life.

Previous research has suggested this, however findings have been inconsistent, so Dutch scientists decided to investigate further.

They analysed 22 studies involving almost 395,000 people to assess the risk of the skin condition, eczema. They also analysed 22 studies involving over 256,000 people to assess the risk of hay fever.

The scientists found that those who had used antibiotics in early life had, depending on the type of study analysed, a 15-41% increased risk of developing eczema later in life.

The risk of developing hay fever was 14-56% higher depending on the study.

The link between antibiotics and both eczema and hay fever was greater if the participants had been treated with two courses of antibiotics in early life, rather than one.

"Early life exposure to antibiotics is related to an increased risk of both eczema and hay fever later in life," concluded Dr Fariba Ahmadizar of Utrecht University.

Details of these findings were presented at the European Respiratory Society's International Congress in London.