Can Probiotics Help Prevent Asthma?
According to research, probiotics may rebalance immune response, repair dysbiosis and minimize airway inflammation and as a result, probiotics may help prevent asthma.
Asthma affects around 300 million people worldwide. It inflames and narrows the airways, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing.
In 2007, the CDC estimated that 9 people died per day from asthma and contributed to thousands of deaths per year that could have been prevented.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits by promoting a balanced and beneficial gut microbiota.
Can Probiotics Reduce Asthma During Pregnancy?
According to research, probiotics administered during pregnancy have the potential to reduce allergies and asthma. They have been shown to help regulate immune responses and transfer beneficial bacteria to infants.
Results and evidence from studies are inconsistent, and more research is needed to establish a conclusive link between probiotic use during pregnancy and the prevention of allergies and asthma in children.
Can Probiotics Help Asthma In Children?
Probiotics can help with with asthma in children. A 2022 study authored by L Drago, found a probiotic mixture containing Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS01 and Bifidobacterium breve B632 significantly reduced the number of asthma exacerbations in children by more than a third.
Asthma in children is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and constriction, leading to recurring episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, and chest tightness.
Can Probiotics Help Asthma In Adults?
Probiotics can help with with asthma in adults with a mean age of 38.62 years. A 2023 study authored by S Sadrifar, found probiotic supplementation in adult patients with asthma resulted in reduced levels of IL-4, improved pulmonary function tests, and altered expression of specific microRNAs associated with asthma.
Can Probiotics Make Asthma Worse?
There is no clinical research indicating that probiotics directly worsen asthma. Certain probiotic strains have the potential to increase histamine levels and elevated histamine can contribute to symptoms such as shortness of breath in individuals with histamine intolerance.
Histamine intolerance is a condition characterized by the body's inability to properly break down and metabolize histamine, leading to a range of symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and allergic-like reactions.
Dr. Sara Mesilhy has a Master’s degree in Gastroenterology and holds a membership with the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom. She completed her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at Cairo University and is currently part of the ProbioticReviewGirl medical team.