Studies suggest that imbalances in gut bacteria, especially the presence of clostridium and absence of bifidobacterium, are linked to increased risk of asthma. Probiotics, particularly strains like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, have been shown to impact immune responses by promoting anti-inflammatory effects through regulatory T cells and reducing IgE-dependent immune responses. Probiotics may also influence other immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, offering a potential therapeutic benefit in asthma management. Recent studies on animal models and clinical trials have explored how probiotics can modify the microbiome, reduce inflammation, and alleviate asthma symptoms.
Despite promising results from animal studies, clinical trials on the use of probiotics for asthma remain limited. Some human trials have demonstrated that probiotic supplementation can reduce asthma exacerbations, improve symptoms, and lower inflammatory markers such as IgE and IL-4. However, findings are inconsistent, with some studies showing improvements in lung function (PEF and FEV1) and others indicating no significant effects. The varying results may be due to differences in probiotic strains, dosage, and patient characteristics. Given the potential benefits, more research is needed to better understand the efficacy of probiotics in asthma therapy and to confirm their role as a treatment option.
Reference: Kleniewska P, Pawliczak R. Can probiotics be used in the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma? Pharmacol Rep. 2024 Aug;76(4):740-753. doi: 10.1007/s43440-024-00618-0. Epub 2024 Jul 1. PMID: 38951480; PMCID: PMC11294272.
