Probiotics in childhood: allergic illness and respiratory infections

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Growing interest in probiotics for allergic diseases over the past decade.
• Emerging evidence suggests benefits for atopic eczema and food allergy symptom management.
• Limited research exists on probiotics for allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence on the efficacy of probiotics in managing various allergic diseases.
• To explore the potential role of probiotics in preventing and treating allergic conditions.
• To summarize findings regarding probiotics' impact on atopic eczema, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and asthma.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on probiotic use in allergic diseases.
• Analysis of studies investigating probiotic administration during pregnancy, postnatally, and in different age groups.
• Evaluation of clinical outcomes related to symptom severity, sensitization, and medication use.

Main Results:

• Probiotics significantly improve atopic eczema when administered during pregnancy and postnatally.
• Probiotics aid in managing food allergy symptoms but do not prevent sensitization.
• Evidence suggests probiotics may reduce symptom severity and medication needs in allergic rhinitis.
• Probiotic effects on asthma are inconclusive, but they may protect against common cold and respiratory infections in children.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics demonstrate therapeutic potential for specific allergic conditions, particularly atopic eczema.
• Further research is needed to clarify the role of probiotics in asthma and the prevention of allergic sensitization.
• Probiotics may offer adjunctive benefits in managing allergic rhinitis and preventing respiratory infections.