Probiotics in treatment of allergic rhinitis

Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been done on role of probiotics as a treatment modality in allergic rhinitis. We conducted a review on the same. A systematic search of published literature was done. RCTs comparing effect of probiotics with placebo were included. A predefined set of outcome measures were assessed. Continuous data were expressed as pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Dichotomous data were expressed as odds ratio with 95% CI. P value <0.05 was considered significant. RevMan version 5 was used for all the analyses. Seven RCTs were eligible for inclusion. Probiotic intake improved quality of life score in patients with allergic rhinitis [SMD -1.17 (95% CI -1.47, -0.86; P < 0.00001)]. Other parameter that improved with probiotic intake was decrease in the number of episodes of rhinitis per year. There was no significant change in blood or immunologic parameters in the probiotic group, SMD -0.10 (95% CI -0.26, 0.06; P = 0.22). Adverse events were not significant. Probiotic therapy might be useful in rhinitis, but the present data do not allow any treatment recommendations.