Is it possible to prevent respiratory pathology?

Abstract

Acute respiratory infections are the most common reason to consult a paediatrician. Children, especially during critical periods of immune response, are one of the most vulnerable groups to infections. The prevention of recurring respiratory infections is very important, especially from the beginning of attending pre-school and school facilities. Since ancient times, preventive measures such as rational daily routine, sufficient physical activity, correction of nutritional status, phytotherapy and homeopathic treatment have been used. In recent years these children have been optimising their vitamin D status and taking antioxidant vitamins, micro- and macronutrients. To date, as a result of innovative research on the human microbiome, information has emerged on its impact on the human body as a whole. The connection of the intestinal microbiota with the brain (gut-brain axis), with the respiratory tract (gut-lung axis), the cardiovascular system, kidneys and even mental health has been proved. The use of multistrain and multispecies probiotics in the prevention of recurrent infections in children opens up new opportunities to influence the child’s immune response and to form food tolerance. Today, a new multistrain multispecies probiotic (manufacturer ADM Protexin, UK) for the prevention of recurrent respiratory infections in children has appeared on the market. Studies have shown that using several strains of lactobacillus contained in this probiotic leads to more consistent results than monostrains and placebo in the prevention of respiratory diseases. Given the problem of antibiotic resistance, especially in young children, the new possibilities of preventing acute respiratory diseases in children using multistrain and multispecies probiotics make it possible not only to reduce the number and severity of episodes of acute respiratory infections, but also to reduce the frequency of antibiotic use.