There is an excellent study in a recent edition of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The researchers looked at rhinoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the nasal passages and eyes due to allergy), eczema, asthma, and general allergies in children. They found that antibiotic use during the first year of life increased rates of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema. Anitpyretic use (tylenol, ibuprofen)increased rates of asthma and eczema. MMR vaccination increased risk of rhinoconjunctivitis while children without MMR vaccination who actually got measles had lower risk of eczema.These results are vitally important since allergies, asthma, and eczema rates have risen dramatically in the past few decades. Clearly it is time to stop overmedicating our children. Read the study here.