Effect of probiotics on allergic rhinitis in Df, Dp or dust-sensitive children: a randomized double blind controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

To study, we examined the effect of Lactobacillus salivarius on the clinical symptoms and medication use among children with established allergic rhinitis (AR).

DESIGN

Double blind, randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING

Hualien Tzu-Chi General Hospital.

METHODS

Atopic children with current allergic rhinitis received 4x10(9) colony forming units/g of Lactobacillus salivarius (n=99) or placebo (n=100) daily as a powder mixed with food or water for 12 weeks. The SCORing Allergic rhinitis index (specific symptoms scores [SSS] and symptom medication scores [SMS]), which measures the extent and severity of AR, was assessed in each subject at each of the visits--2 weeks prior to treatment initiation (visit 0), at the beginning of the treatment (visit 1), then at 4 (visit 2), 8 (visit 3) and 12 weeks (visit 4) after starting treatment. The WBC, RBC, platelet and, eosinophil counts as well as the IgE antibody levels of the individuals were evaluated before and after 3 months of treatment.

RESULTS

The major outcome, indicating the efficacy of Lactobacillus salivarius treatment, was the reduction in rhinitis symptoms and drug scores. No significant statistical differences were found between baseline or 12 weeks in the probiotic and placebo groups for any immunological or blood cell variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that Lactobacillus salivarius treatment reduces rhinitis symptoms and drug usage in children with allergic rhinitis.