Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
06:34

A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma

Published on: June 4, 2017

Randomized placebo-controlled trial of lactobacillus on asthmatic children with allergic rhinitis

Yue-Sheng Chen1, Ren-Long Jan, Yen-Lin Lin

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|July 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Daily Lactobacillus gasseri A5 supplementation improved asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms in children. Probiotic treatment enhanced pulmonary function and reduced inflammatory markers, suggesting clinical benefits for allergic airway diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Probiotic effects on atopic dermatitis are suggested, but their role in pediatric allergic airway diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis is debated.
  • Specific Lactobacillus gasseri A5 was investigated for its potential to modulate immune responses and alleviate symptoms in children with these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of daily Lactobacillus gasseri A5 supplementation for 8 weeks in improving clinical symptoms and immunoregulatory changes in school children with asthma and allergic rhinitis.
  • To assess the impact of this probiotic on pulmonary function, symptom severity, and specific immunological parameters.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted involving school children aged 6-12 years with asthma and allergic rhinitis.
  • Participants received either Lactobacillus gasseri A5 or a placebo daily for 2 months, with outcomes measured via pulmonary function tests, clinical severity scores, diary card records (PEFR, symptoms), and immunological markers (total IgE, cytokine production by PBMCs).

Main Results:

  • Probiotic-treated children showed significant improvements in pulmonary function and peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR).
  • Clinical symptom scores for both asthma and allergic rhinitis were significantly reduced in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group.
  • A notable decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-13 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was observed post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Daily supplementation with Lactobacillus gasseri A5 demonstrates clinical benefits for school children suffering from allergic airway diseases, including asthma and allergic rhinitis.
  • The probiotic appears to improve respiratory function and reduce symptom severity, likely through modulation of immune responses and inflammatory cytokine production.

Related Concept Videos

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers01:19

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...