A recent study reveals that daily consumption of probiotic-infused candy significantly reduces the occurrence of respiratory illnesses in children suffering from mild intermittent asthma. The trial highlights the potential of spore-forming probiotics as a supplementary treatment in managing asthma-related complications.
Study Design and Participants
The randomized controlled trial involved 69 children aged between 7 and 11 years, all diagnosed with mild intermittent asthma. Participants were assigned to receive either a probiotic candy containing 1010 CFU of Bacillus coagulans or a placebo candy over a two-month period. The primary objective was to track the number of viral respiratory infections, while secondary outcomes included the usage of salbutamol inhalers, oral corticosteroids, school absenteeism, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and scores on the Pediatric Asthma Control Questionnaire (c-ACT).
Key Findings and Outcomes
Results indicated a notable decrease in symptomatic respiratory illnesses among the probiotic group compared to the placebo group across both months of the study. Specifically, the probiotic group experienced fewer viral infections and required less salbutamol and showed reduced school absenteeism rates. Although fewer children in the probiotic group needed prednisolone, the difference was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in emergency department visits or hospitalizations between the two groups. Asthma control scores improved significantly post-intervention in the probiotic group.
• Probiotic candy administration led to a 60% reduction in symptomatic respiratory illnesses over two months.
• Children consuming probiotics required less salbutamol, indicating better asthma management.
• School absenteeism decreased by approximately 5% in the probiotic group.
• Prednisolone usage showed a downward trend, though not reaching statistical significance.
• No increase in emergency visits or hospitalizations was observed among probiotic users.
The integration of spore-forming probiotics like Bacillus coagulans into daily routines offers a promising adjunctive approach for managing asthma in children. By potentially reducing viral-triggered asthma exacerbations, probiotics can enhance the quality of life for young asthma sufferers and decrease the reliance on conventional medications.
Implementing probiotic supplements could become a strategic component in pediatric asthma care. Healthcare providers may consider recommending probiotic-enriched products as part of a comprehensive asthma management plan. However, further research with larger sample sizes and extended durations is essential to solidify these findings and establish standardized guidelines for probiotic use in asthma treatment.
Understanding the role of the gut-lung axis in respiratory health underscores the importance of microbiome-targeted therapies. Parents seeking to support their children’s asthma management might explore probiotic options, but should consult healthcare professionals to tailor interventions to individual needs.
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