Conclusion : Based on the available data and taking into account the safety profile of RCTs , probiotic consumption appears to be a feasible way to decrease the incidence of RTIs in children
Background : Respiratory tract infections ( RTIs ) represent one of the main health problems in children .
Probiotics are viable bacteria that colonize the intestine and affect the host intestinal microbial balance .
Accumulating evidence suggests that probiotic consumption may decrease the incidence of or modify RTIs .
The authors systematic ally review ed data from r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) to investigate the effect of probiotic consumption on  RTIs in children .
Effect of recolonisation with “interfering” α streptococci on recurrences of acute and secretory otitis media in children: randomised placebo controlled trial
Abstract Objective : To study the effect of recolonisation with α streptococci with the ability to inhibit the growth of otopathogens ( “ interfering ” activity ) on the recurrence of acute otitis media in susceptible children and the effect on the frequency of secretory otitis media . Design : Double blind , r and omised , placebo controlled study . Setting : Ear , nose , and throat clinic with three doctors . Participants : 130 children prone to otitis media aged between 6 months and 6 years , 108 of whom were eligible and followed for 3 months . Main outcome measures : Recurrence of otitis media during follow up and a normal tympanic membrane at the last valid visit . Interventions : Children with no recurrences during the last month received phenoxymethylpenicillin ( n=22 ) , and those with a recurrence within 1 month received amoxicillin clavulanic acid ( n=86 ) , both twice daily for 10 days . These were followed by a streptococcal or placebo solution sprayed into the nose for a further 10 days . At day 60 the same spray was started for another 10 days . Results : At 3 months 22 children ( 42 % ) given the streptococcal spray were healthy and had a normal tympanic membrane compared with 12 ( 22 % ) of those given placebo . This difference was shown separately for recurrences of both acute otitis media and secretory otitis media . Conclusions : Selected bacteria with the ability to inhibit the growth of common otopathogens can be used to protect against recurrent acute otitis media and secretory otitis media in children
Conclusion : Based on the available data and taking into account the safety profile of RCTs , probiotic consumption appears to be a feasible way to decrease the incidence of RTIs in children
Background : Respiratory tract infections ( RTIs ) represent one of the main health problems in children .
Probiotics are viable bacteria that colonize the intestine and affect the host intestinal microbial balance .
Accumulating evidence suggests that probiotic consumption may decrease the incidence of or modify RTIs .
The authors systematic ally review ed data from r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) to investigate the effect of probiotic consumption on  RTIs in children .