Preventive nasal bacteriotherapy for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and sleep disordered breathing in children.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of Streptococcus salivarius 24SMBc administered as a nasal spray in children affected by recurring infections of the upper airways, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and sleep disordered breathing (SDB).

METHODS: Prospective study on 42 children with SDB. Anamnestic and general examination data were collected using the 'Sleep Clinical Record' (SCR) questionnaire during the first inspection and after three months of treatment with Streptococcus salivarius 24SMBc nasal spray. Quantitative variables were statistically compared.

RESULTS: After three months, the enrolled patients showed lower SCR scores than during the first inspection (6.0 vs 7.5 p < 0.000), with a significant reduction of nasal obstruction (p = 0.001) and oral breathing (p = 0.04), and a positive Brouillette Score (p = 0.001). The children and parents did not declare any adverse reactions during the three months of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: This series confirms the effectiveness and safety of Streptococcus salivarius 24SMBc treatment in children affected by recurring upper respiratory tract infections, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and sleep disordered breathing.