scholarly journals Probiotics for the Prevention of Acute Respiratory-Tract Infections in Older People: Systematic Review

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 690
Author(s):  
Maja Strauss ◽  
Dušanka Mičetić-Turk ◽  
Maja Šikić Pogačar ◽  
Sabina Fijan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Older People ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Probiotic Strains ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

The aim of this systematic review was to present the indirect influence of probiotics on the incidence and duration of acute upper respiratory-tract infections in older people, by regulating the immune system. Eight randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials met the inclusion criteria, considering the threshold of older people being 60 years and over. Single strain probiotics were used in all studies, including three probiotic strains used in fermented foods: Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CNCM I-1518 and Lacticaseibacillusparacasei Shirota, and three probiotic strains used as food supplements: Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT5711, Bacillus subtilis CU1 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. Current evidence showed that certain probiotic strains were better than a placebo in lowering the incidence or number of older people experiencing acute upper respiratory tract infections; however, not all probiotic strains were efficient, and not all studies reported statistically significant outcomes. More high quality large-scale properly controlled clinical studies focusing on older people are warranted.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjebm-2020-111336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hibatullah Abuelgasim ◽  
Charlotte Albury ◽  
Joseph Lee
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Symptomatic Relief ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

BackgroundAntibiotic over prescription for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in primary care exacerbates antimicrobial resistance. There is a need for effective alternatives to antibiotic prescribing. Honey is a lay remedy for URTIs, and has an emerging evidence base for its use. Honey has antimicrobial properties, and guidelines recommended honey for acute cough in children.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in URTIs.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, AMED, Cab abstracts, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and CINAHL with a combination of keywords and MeSH terms.ResultsWe identified 1345 unique records, and 14 studies were included. Overall risk of bias was moderate. Compared with usual care, honey improved combined symptom score (three studies, mean difference −3.96, 95% CI −5.42 to −2.51, I2=0%), cough frequency (eight studies, standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.36, 95% CI −0.50 to −0.21, I2=0%) and cough severity (five studies, SMD −0.44, 95% CI −0.64 to −0.25, I2=20%). We combined two studies comparing honey with placebo for relieving combined symptoms (SMD −0.63, 95% CI −1.44 to 0.18, I2=91%).ConclusionsHoney was superior to usual care for the improvement of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. It provides a widely available and cheap alternative to antibiotics. Honey could help efforts to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance, but further high quality, placebo controlled trials are needed.PROSPERO registration NoStudy ID, CRD42017067582 on PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/).

scholarly journals Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) for acute upper respiratory tract infections: an updated systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Sierocinski ◽  
Felix Holzinger ◽  
Jean-François Chenot
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Purpose Acute cough due to viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and bronchitis is a common reason for patients to seek medical care. Non-antibiotic over-the-counter cough medications such as ivy leaf extract are frequently used but their efficacy is uncertain. Our purpose was to update our previous systematic review and evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of ivy leaf in the treatment of acute URTIs in adult and pediatric populations. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and clinical trial registries from December 2009 to January 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and observational studies (OSs) investigating ivy leaf mono- or combination preparations were included. Two independent reviewers assessed records for eligibility and risk of bias and performed data extraction. Results Six RCTs, 1 CCT, and 4 OSs were identified. Since the publication of our previous review, the number of RCTs has increased. All studies concluded that ivy leaf extract is an effective and safe option for the treatment of cough due to URTIs and bronchitis. Three RCTs reported a more rapid reduction in cough severity and/or frequency under ivy leaf treatment. The clinical significance of these effects appears to be minimal. No serious adverse effects were reported. The overall quality of reporting was low and the risk of bias was high. Conclusions Ivy leaf preparations are safe for use in cough due to acute URTIs and bronchitis. However, effects are minimal at best and of uncertain clinical importance.

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